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LIBRARY OF CONGRKS& 



| UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. J 





4?to<?u* ^^K^ 



THE 

RIVAL PRINCES; 

OR, A 

FAITHFUL NARRATIVE OF FACTS, 

RELATING TO 

MRS. M. A. g_jAEKE'S 

POLITICAL ACQUAINTANCE 

WITH 

COLONEL WARDLE, MAJOR DODD, 

fyc. 8fC. fyc. 
WHO WERE CONCERNED IN THE CHARGES AGAINST 

THE 

DUKE OF YORK ; 

TOGETHER WITH 

A variety of authentic and important 
LETTERS, 

AND 

CURIOUS AND INTERESTING ANECDOTES OF SEVEr- 

RAL PERSONS OF POLITICAL NOTORIETY. 



BY MARY ANNEXXARKE 



£ 



TWO VOLUMES IN ONE. 



NEW-YORK* 

fUBLISHED EY DAVID LONGWORTH, 

AT THE 

Shakspeare Gallery. 



September 1810. 



THE LIBRARY 
OF CONGRESS 

WASHINGTON! 



K. M. Blunt & Co. 202, Water Street. 



r ? 



PREFACE. 



Ae 



uS custom has rendered a preface as necessary an 
appendage to a book as the binding which secures it 
frqm damage, I am obliged to conform to that fashion 
which is in general a very useless trespass upon the 
reader's patience ; and thus enter into my motives for 
offering the following sheets to the notice of the pub- 
lic, though the body of every work ought sufficiently 
to explain the author's reasons for having called the 
attention of the reader to the labors of his pen. 

But as fashion is the life of all our actions, I will 
not offend it's votaries by sending my literary efforts 
into the world without a leading string, by which the 
reader may catch the cause I have for throwing my 
work upon the care of an indulgent and liberal public. 

My conduct and motives having suffered misrepresen- 
tation by the vile breath of industrious slander, I am 
induced to lay- before the public, the following state- 
ment, in order to remove the pernicious effect of those 
attacks that have been maliciously organized for the 
accomplishment of my ruin, and the destruction of 
my happiness. 

As my acquaintance with his royal highness the 
duke of York is within the knowledge of all descrip- 
tions of persons in the kingdom, perhaps in Europe, it 
precludes the necessity of making the splendid scenes 
of his society, the subject of particular narrative; fur- 
ther than to observe, that my late royal friend is in~ 
debted for all his disasters to the economical descen- 
dant of him who deceived fair Eve at the small ex* 
pence of an apple! 



IV PREFACE. 

When deserted by my royal friend, I submitted U 
,.a life of undeserved seclusion with more fortitude 
than falls to the generality of my sex under similar 
circumstances. 

Pursued by creditors-— harassed and distressed by 
threats, which afforded my future life no other pros- 
pect but the walls of a prison, is it to be made a mat- 
ter of surprise that any woman, so situated, with an 
infant family to support and protect, should be glad 
to catch at aity offer that would remove from my dis- 
tracted vision, those dreadful phantoms of misery that 
presented themselves to an almost deranged mind ! 

If the gentleman who professes to give his royal 
friend his services gratuitously, had but have been po- 
litical, as well as feeling, and attended to my repeat- 
ed appeals to his heart and head, he would have af- 
forded his patron more real service than his gratu- 
itous speeches will do for a hundred years to come ; — - 
would have prevented subsequent ill consequences — 
and saved me from the fangs and exposure of ill 
principled impostors, who dragged me, under 
false views, from silent and piercing penury, to raise 
themselves on the ashes of their country ! 

Seeing no alternative left b* to perish at the feet 
of my children, or stand up a^ nst a friend^ who, I 
am sure, has not a heart capable of injuring any one, 
if the envenomed tongue of officious kindness had not 
played about his royal ear, and poured into it that 
poison against me, which in its operation, proved fa- 
tal to him whom it was intended to serve i 

The following pages will best show how that pub- 
lic impostor, colonel Wardle, has employed my mis- 
fortunes to the advantage of his own despicable views ; 
and alter I ceased to lend myself to other abominable 
designs, he thought it political to forget all his pro- 
mises of reward to me, and has since waded through 
an ocean of perjury to keep up his undeserved popu- 
larity with the people ©f England ! 

Let it be remembered that I have never wantonly 



PRJtrACE. 



forced myself upon the public attention, and that it 
has been only when promises were made to me, and 
their performance afterwards neglected, that I have 
been heard to complain ; and when pacific applica- 
tions were unavailing, and I became goaded beyond all 
endurance, that I shook off the native gentleness of 
my sex, and assumed the heroine in defence of my 
claims, by taking up arms against my enemy ! 

From the justice 1 owe to my own character and 
feelings, and the respect I feel for the good opinion of 
the public, this work derives its existence, which I 
hope will merit the approbation of those respectable 
persons who must feel pleased with a complete expo- 
sure of those political impostors, who, under a mask 
of public virtue, have aimed at nothing but the sub- 
version of that constitutional fabric, which has for 
ages afforded more freedom to the human character, 
than any other nation in the known Universe! 

Mary As> t e Clarke. 

Cottage, Putney, 
May 29t!), 1810. 



THE 

RIVAL PRINCES, 

SyC. SfC. SfC. 



XT is said that great events often result from tiifling 
causes — so considerable public good, frequently pro- 
ceeds from individual inconvenience. 

Whatever injury an illustrious personage may have 
sustained by the loss of his office, great good will result 
to the nation, on its being able at last to estimate the 
true friends of the country, from those, whose assu- 
med patriotism for a short time, obtained the affec- 
tions of the people, and grewHipon its creduHty. 

It may appear a little strange that I, who but a 
few months ago, was the great medium by which Co- 
lonel Wardle sprang from insignificant obscurity to 
the apex of popular admiration, should now be the 
medium to wither those laurels which were obtained 
by ambition, and supported by dishonor : but such 
is the mutability of all human affairs, that those who 
raise the temple to another's glory, may, by fortuitous 
causes, be the means to level it with the <lust. 

The great popularity colonel Wardle obtained last 
session of parliament by his charges against the duke 
of York, will, I am of opinion, be converted into 
worse than public contempt, when the motives for his 
prosecution of that illustrious personage are faithful- 
ly given to the public: — which I profess to do, with- 
out malice or exaggeration. 

I always entertained an indifferent opinion of demo- 
cratic virtue^ or what is fashionably called patriotism, 



( 8 ) 

but I must confess my acquaintance with colonel 
Wardle, and his associates, has convinced me, that 
the garb of patriotic ardor conceals the most destruc- 
tive passions and principles that can possibly animate 
the bosom of a social being; — passions and principles 
that have no end but in self advancement, power and 
honors: — as I shall more fully illustrate. 

If the patriot, who drew me from the shade of un- 
deserved poverty, to support his charges against a 
prince, had but possessed any of the ordinary quali- 
ties which belong to common honesty; it is most pro- 
bable his vile system of politics, would at this mo- 
ment, have been unknown to the public ; but when 
the private principles of a man are so despicably bad 
as to aim at the ruin and disgrace of one to whom ke 
is indebted for all his popularity; and the possession 
of that ground, which gave him a consequence in the 
chart of political warfare; — what must the reader 
think of the purity of public virtue, when the idea of 
-a private obligation does not exist in the wise head of 

this STATE TINKER, who pants SO mUCh%tO IVEFORJ* 

the English Constitution. 

The pure, patriotic colonel, was too much elated 
'with the temporary honors I had fixed on his brow, 
"to suffer his happy slumbers to be the least ruffled by 
the thoughts, that I could an "unvarnished tale re- 
late," which would merge him i» the pit of public 
disgrace he had so artfully been preparing for me.. 
But as he sought to ruin me by endeavoring to shake 
off the remembrance of my just claims, he must; pa- 
tiently bear my exposition of his conduct as a private 
friend, and a public patriot. 

As the order of things is now reversed in our sys- 
tem of politics, and as colonel Wardle is in want of 
those principles which characterize the gentleman and 
"man of honor, I am under the necessity of defending 
my character, and justifying my conduct upon eve- 
Ty subject that is at -all connected with our*acouain- 
<tance. 



( 9 ) 

f laving made these general observations, I shall now 
proceed to develope every circumstance attending our 
knowledge of each other, for the opinion and judgment 
of the candid reader : 

The pecuniary difficulties under which I labored 
for two years after I retired from the protection of the 
duke of York, obliged me to conceal myself at differ- 
ent times under the roof of a Mrs. Andrews, of Hamp- 
stetfd, a very worthy woman, who has been twenty 
years a resident in that village. 

It was during one of these unhappy periods of seclu- 
sion from the world, that I first acquired a knowledge 
of Sir Richard Phillips, who had also occupied part 
of the above lady's house, which afforded him an op- 
portunity of learning my name, and something of my 
misfortunes* 

The knight having been (as it has been reported) 
one of the disciples of the notorious Tom Paine, and 
& member of the Corresponding Society, naturally 
sought for associates of those political principles, 
which once sent him so Leicester gaol ; and as per- 
sons of congenial sentiments attract each other, it will 
not be a matter of surprise to the reader, to hear that 
colonel Wardle and the knight have long been sworn 
brothers.* 

Through this medium, colonel Wardle acquired his 
knowledge of the place of my seclusion, and despatch- 
ed his confidant, JVrCullum,t the American Spy, to 
Hampstead, in order to induce me to assist in the 
great work of his ambition. 

♦ Though Sir Richard Phillips has publicly denied any ac- 
quaintance with col. Wardle at this period, I shall be able in the 
course of the work, to convince the reader of tbe "knight's short 
memory upon this point. % 

t It is stated, that when general Picton, was Governor of Tri- 
nidad, Mr. M'Cullura was suspected of being a spy, and accord- 
ingly taken into custody and examined lor the offence, but es- 
caped the justice of the country through the friendship of major 
Dodd and Mr. Glennie. This accounts for his connexion with the 
major, and the confidential business that has been entrusted to 
kirn by the duke of Kent and col. Wardle. 



( io ) 

About the latter end of September, 1808, M'Cul- 
lum waited on Mrs. Andrews, said he came to see 
me on business of great importance, and urged her 
to favor him with my address, which she declined, 
under an impression that he was one of the servants 
of the Sheriff, who are found to be very troublesome 
visitors in those families they are pLeased to honor 
with their presence. 

In all pursuits of life much is done by persever- 
ance, and as col. Wardle knew very well that he could 
not accomplish the object of his wishes without con- 
siderable exertion, his ardor did not abate at the un- 
favorable answer Mrs. Andrews gave to MCullum, 
but he frequently sent his confidant to Hampstead, 
in order to persuade her to entrust him with my 
place of concealment. 

During the interval of his visits to Mrs. Andrews, 
she came to Bedford Place, Russel-square, to ac- 
quaint me of all that had been said by M'Cullum, 
and also brought me two or three letters, which she 
received of him, under a promise to forward them 
to me. The information I collected from the letters, 
and my friend, went to assure me, that the object of 
M'Cull urn's visit was to suggest something that would 
prove very beneficial to me, and relieve me from 
my then embarrassed circumstances. 

These letters I laid before Mr. Stokes, of Golden- 
square, who advised me to return a cautious an- 
swer, which I did, but appointed a time to receive 
the bearer of them, who accordingly waited upon me. 

When the mind is in a state of doubt as to the 
friendly disposition of the person, whom, the necessi- 
ty of circumstances obliges us to meet, the dress and 
deportment of the object go a great way, either to 
relieve our fears, or increase suspicion ; — this was 
precisely the case on my first interview with M'Cul- 
lum, whose appearance was much against him, and 
instantly made a very unfavorable impression on my 
mind as to the purity of his intentions towards my 



( n ) 

personal safety, I am not disposed to be severe on 
Mr. M'Cullum, but I must confess, he looked more 
like a Servant of the Sheriff than the confidential 
friend of a gentleman and a member of parliament. 
On the immediate recollection, however, that he 
had been sent by his friend and associate. Sir Rich- 
ard Phillips, my fears and surprise ceased, as I had 
no reason to expect any person from him, above the 
character I saw before me. 

Mr. M'Cullum opened the business of his visit, 
by saying — that he came from col. Wardle, a mem- 
ber of parliament, and a man of great integrity and 
abilities; that he was employed by him to write a 
pamphlet* against the duke of York, and to convince 
me of these facts, he took from his pocket several 
proof sheets of the work, and also some franks with 
the colonel's signature. He added, that the princi- 
pal object of his visit was to solicit permission for 
col. Wardle to have an interview with me, on the fol- 
lowing day at one o'clock. Believing then that I was 
secure from the annoyance of the person I took 
M'Cullum to be, I promised him that I would be at 
home to colonel Wardle, at the appointed time. Ac- 
cordingly at one, on the succeeding day, I received 
the immaculate patriot, who, after the customary 
ceremonies of reciprocal civility, seated himself, and 
continued with me from one till my dinner time, 
about six o'clock. 

It may be necessary for me to mention that dur- 
ing this visit, major Dodd was waiting for him in the 
neighborhood, and feeling his patience nearly ex- 

* Aii infamous pamphlet, entitled M Observations en hij 
royal highness the duke of Kent's shameful persecution since his 
recall from Gibraltar ; together with an enquiry into the abuse* 
of the royal military college, proving that seminary to he a Job, 
and an imposition on the public. Also, remarks on the wise 
generals in the British army; with a proof of colonel Gorden'ft 
ingratitude. — By Pierre Frere M'Cullum, Esq. Author of " Trav- 
els in. Trinidad," &c. 6cc, 



( 12 ) 

kausted, went to his virtuous friend, Mr. Hague wh« 
is one of the great ornaments of this political party. 

The colonel opened the business of his visit, by 
observing, that he had been endeavoring to find me 
for some time, and expressed the pleasure and satis- 
facion he felt at the happy result of his exertions. He 
enquired of me, whether 1 had seen his name in the 
proceedings of the last session of parliament, when 
the c loathing* of the army had become a subject of 
discussion in the house, in consequence of his having 
discovered abuses- in this province of the public ex- 
penditure. I told him 1 recollected the circumstance ; 
when he continued to observe, that it was his inten- 
tion to proceed to a full exposure of all the abuses in 
the state which he could possibly discover ; but that 
his principal and grand aim was directed at the Com- 
mander in Chief, of whom, it had been reported, I was 
in possession of much valuable information, which I 
acquired while living under his protection. 

He then declared, that if I would give him all the 
information he wished in order to displace the 
duke of York — myself and family should es 

PROVIDED FOR IX ANY WAY I THOUGHT PRO- 
PER to poist out. The subsequent conduct of 
this sage politician, has shown with what eagerness he 
determines upon and carries into execution, any 
thing that at the moment strikes his h e at ET> imag- 
ination as good and political. 

His foolish address to the people of England, as 
well as many other acts of absurdity might be cited^ 
to show how incautious he is in the management of 
his political plans. This preliminary remark is per- 
haps necessary for me to make, in order to obtain 
credit of my readers for slating the possibility of a 
rational creature being such a fool, as on his first 



* In the progressive stages of this work I shall shew col. War- 
ble's connexion and partnership with mr. Scot, the army clothier, 
of Cannon row, Westminster, which will account for his discussuaj 
this question in parliament; and the inter ett he had in it. 



( 13 ) 

visit to a stranger, to enter fully into the nature and 
particulars of his views — Cataline understood his bu- 
siness better. 

The delusions of hope, however, had so inflamed 
his poor head, that he could not conceal any thing 
that was connected with his meditated plan of des- 
troying the reputation of his royal highness the duke 
of York ; and accordingly proceeded with the narra- 
tive of his intended parliamentary labors, by obser- 
ving, that he was sure I must know, from having been 
so long in intimacy with the duke of York, that he 
had a dislike to his brother the duke of Kent, and 
that illustrious personage (as a much injured man) 
had a determined hatred to the duke ot York, for 
not having allowed him a court martial on his recall 
from his command at Gibraltar, in order to clear his 
character; — I replied, that to this circumstance! 
was not a stranger, but that 1 had been informed, 
that if the duke of York had complied with the re- 
quest of his royal brother, he would have been found 
guilty of the charges preferred against him, and con- 
sequently would have been deprived of the govern- 
ment of that fortress, by which he would have lost 
several thousands a year, and therefore, that which. 
the duke of Kent had felt as & great hardship, the 
duke of York had done from the pure sentiments of 
brotherly affection. The colonel then said, he should 
feel greatly cbliged to me for the heads of ail the 
conversations I ever had with the duke of York upon 
this subject, or the observations which that illustrious 
personage had made at any time on his brother's con- 
duct, as he had much interest in a pamphlet that was 
coming out from the pen of his friend, M'Cullum, 
whom he had sent to me. 

The reader may naturally suppose that such an appli- 
cation was ot too ^eriousa nature for any playfulness of 
remark on my part ; or even, for a time, the interruption 
of the monosyllable of yes or no, to his progressive 
observations, as my mind was then bubilv engaged 

B 



( «4 ) 

upon the consequence of that which I might do by 
an incautious observation, I therefore heard with pa- 
tience the developement of his plan. 

Now for the grand object of his visit, which was, 
(as he stated) that as he was going to serve the duke 
of Kent by endeavoring to turn the duke of York out 
of office, and as he knew that I was acquainted with 
all the secrets of that illustrious personage, he was 
desirous of knowing the terms upon which his royal 
highness and myself then stood. I told him the terms 
v. ere certainly favorable to his wishes, as the duke 
had deserted me, and neglected his promises ; — I 
should, however, decline entering into any narrative 
of my misfortunes, or the disclosure of the duke's 
affairs, until I had consulted my friends on so seri- 
ous a subject; and was also better acquainted with 
the character of my visitor. The colonel assured me 
of the sincerity of his intentions, and said, that the 
duke of Kent knew, and was interested in all the cir- 
cumstances attending the nature of his visit to me, 
and would sanction all the proceedings resulting from 
our acquaintance; with respect to which, if I had 
any doubt he would bring such a letter from the 
duke's private and confidential secretary , major Dodd, 
as would immediately remove all doubts from my 
mind with respect to the protection he would afford 
to me, as a requital for my important services. 

The apparent candor of his professions began to 
lessen my reserve, which led me into a greater free- 
dom of communication, and induced me to make him 
acquainted with the nature of the duke's promises, 
and the way they had been neglected with respect te 
myself, and my relation, captain Thompson. 

He took out his pocket-book, and made minutes of 
all that I had said, under a promise to communicate 
my exact situation to major Dodd, in order that they 
might prepare themselves to exceed in liberality all 
that I expected from the duke of York. My cir- 
cumstances, as I have just observed, were not in a 



{ 15 ) 

state to treat col. Wardle's offer of protection to me 
and my children with neglect, and as my feelings were 
at that time greatly irritated at the treatment I had 
experienced, I was actuated by my necessities, and 
that treatment, to give my assent to a political ac- 
quaintance with this party, upon the proposed terms. 
Before the colonel took his leave, he requested me 
in future, to receive him under the name of Brazil?) 
as the publicity of his real name among my servants 
might tend to defeat the great work in which he was 
ardently engaged. 

I have since understood that the name of Brown is 
very familiar to colonel Wardle, and has proved as 
convenient a travelling name, as that of captair,, 
which is so common to London adventurers. 

Among the variety of his pursuits, 1 have been 
informed, that he once lived under this name, at the 
Cadogan Coffee House, Sloan-street, with his favorite 
lady!!! — Believe me reader, I do not mean Mrs. 
Wardle. 

Perhaps those who read this passage, will with 
the mingled passion of anger and astonishment, throw 
down the book, and exclaim — good heavens! is it 
possible, that colonel Wardle, the god of the people 
and the reformer of nations, should keep a lady ?—■ 
He who exposed and censured domestic infidel it}' in 
a prince, be himself a sinner? — No, no, it cannot be; 
colonel Wardle could not act in such direct opposi- 
tion to the purity of his professions, and leave an a- 
miable wife, by whom he has acquired all his pecunia- 
ry consequence, for the society of another. — But stop, 
reader, and hear facts before you give too much 
jeredit to this herd's virtues. 

Believe me the patriot is like other men, subject 
to human frailties, but which, he can disguise with 
more art than other men, when it answers his politi- 
cal purposes. 

He can in scornful and severe language reprobate 
the follies and vices of others, when it is his business 



( tf ) 

to raise himself on the ashes of his victims, although 
every stripe of his satirical lash might with greater 
justice be applied to his own back. 

But now to the fact, as I received it, from un- 
questionable authority. A short time after colonel 
Wardle's election at Oakhampton, he made a jour- 
ney into Wales, with his Chere amie and her young 
family ;* and on their return to Lond >n, resided at 
the above Coffee-House at Chelsea, under the name 
of Brown. 

During their stay at this place, a gentleman, who 
had given his vote in favor of colonel Wardle at Oak- 
hampton, said to the tavern keeper — " I find, sir, 
you have got colonel Wardle and family here as your 
guests:" — " Colonel Wardle," replied the host with 
surprise, " Oh no, sir! the gentleman you just now 
saw pass, is a mr. Brown" — Observed the gentle- 
man, " I know better^ — his name is Wardle — and 
what is more, I gave him my vote for Oakhampton, 
and have since dined with him." 

This information produced an inquiry, which in 
a few hours reached -the ears of the correct family 
man, colonel Wardle, who immediately ordering his 
carriage, left the house, and I am informed, the draft 
which he gave the tavern keeper for the amount of 
his bill, was not paid in the most regular way. 

When colonel Wardle was in the habit of visit- 
ing Westborne Place, I used to indulge in a little 
railery on his fair mistress, which naturally enough 
produced observations from him with respect to her. 

On one of these occasions of mirth, he burst into a 
paroxysm of amatory passion, and exclaimed — "that 
his mistress was so fair and young, that he did not 
suffer the air of heaven to blow on her ! ! !" — If she 
be the same lady who now calls herself miss Davis, 
of Gloucester-street, Queen Square, colonel Wardle 

* Colonel Wardle has also children by his wife, which obliges, 
him, to keep up two establishments* 



( 17 ) 

is* not so particular as to the purity of the air that 
has lately bloxvn upm her. This delicate creature has, 
upon a late occasion, been running into every dirty 
place, with Ellis the attorney, in order to purchase 
whatever kind of evidence could be picked up, to 
support colonel Wardle's late prosecution. 

Major Dodd did not surfer colonel Wardle's an- 
gelic creature to live undisturbed by the gentle air of 
heaven, without participating with me in a desire to 
see her, and accordingly urged me to press the co- 
lonel to introduce us to his favorite lady, which I 
did ; but colonel Wardle would not comply with my 7 
request, from (I believe) motives of jealousy, and a 
conviction of the superiority of major Dodd's person ; 
which might have produced a strange alteration in 
the lady's mind as to the personal beauty of her happy 
colonel. 

Colonel Wardle told me, that the father of this fair 
lady had applied to him to make a regular provision for 
his daughter, who had been the victim of his impro- 
per passion ; but he desired her to acquaint her father 
of his real character and situation in fife, and that his 
whole dependence rested on his wife's fortune which 
would not -admit of any burthens being affixed to it, 
by way ot an annuity to this young lady. 

As, therefore, nothing but secrecy could benefit 
the old man's daughter, he of course has remained 
quiet for the sake of all the parties concerned. 

Mark, reader ! what a return for a fortune to an 
amiable and affectionate wife, and a mother of seven 
children ! ! ! Pause,and ask yourself, whether colonel 
Wardle be quite that immaculate character which 
he has labored so much to make the public believe 
him entitled. 

Ah ! deluded woman, was it for this you loved 
and married & beggar? — Was it for this you have 
virtuously cherished and reared a numerous offspring £ 
— Was it for this you have encountered many sleep- 
less nights to further your husband's political views ? 
B 2 



( 18 ) 

—Was it for this you risked your character and per- 
sonal safely, by going in a barouche* to a certain 
tavern, and leaving that celebrated letter which as- 
tonished the whole kingdom ? — Was it for this you 
attended the court ol king's Bench, in anxious expec- 
tation that your supposed faithful husband would 
triumph in his black deeds, and that perjury upon 
perjury would obtain him the laurelf with which his 
friend sir Richard Phillips and his other associates 
had prepared to entwine his brow on that memorable 
day, when a British jury shewed that it was not to be 
duped by a jocobinical faction. 

Was it for all this I say, mrs. Wardle, that your 

* Major Hogan's pamphlet shows the proceedings of a suppo- 
sed ferule friend of the duke of York's who went to Frank's Ho- 
tel, lower Brook-Street, in a barouche, and !eft a letter for major 
Hogan, in which he found a five hundred pound bank note. 
This barouche-lady, colonel Wardle acknowledged to me, was no 
other person than his dear wife.— But there was no harm in such 
an act, it was merely a little generalship, which sheds a lustre on 
modern patriotism. 

t It is unnecessary for me to enter into a discription of the 
disgraceful riot and disturbance which tock place in Westminster 
Hall, on the day of ray trial, as the interruption Lord Ellenbo- 
xo ugh met with, in the administration of justice is now pistty 
generally known to the public, as well as the spirited fttetnae* 
tious of his Lordship to the under Sheriff upon that occasion. 
"But I cannot avoid giving publicity to^ the private information I 
have since received of the grand procession which was prepared to 
attend col. Wardle if I had been convicted on that day. The 
plaintiff's respectable and numerous friends, who disturbed the 
public peace, and insulted the sacred tribunal of justice, were, 
I am informed, to have chaired the victorious colonel, and car- 
lied him amidst the shouts of a mob and the din of butchers' 
music, to the house of sir Richard Phillips, from the drawing 
room window of which, he was to have made a naming speech 
Jo the friends of freedom. This would have afforded a most de- 
lectable treat to sir Richard Phillips, who is considered the most 
vain-glorious character in the kingdom. I forbear using the words 
of the attorney-general on the trial of sir John Carr versus Vernor 
and Hood, who said the knight " was the greatest fool in the 
Itingdoin," but, I may be pardoned, I hope, if I join in opinion 
with Lord EUenboroagh, who corrected sir V. Gibbs on that occa- 
sion, and said, u No, no, rar. attorney-genera), you mean tb*e 

WEAKEST *AJ}." 



C 19 ) 

husband has made you such an unkind return, as to 
divide that love and tenderness, of which, your good 
qualities and fortune ought to have made you sole 
mistress. But, madam, be not any longer deceiv- 
ed ; colonel Wardle has returned to you that which 
he has returned to others, namely, evil for good. 

In the course of a few days after Colonel Wardle's 
first visit to me, he brought the following promised 
letter from major Dodd, the private and confidential 
secretary to the duke of Kent, and with great gravity 
told me to keep it, and upon the good faith of a gen- 
tleman, all the promises made to me, he would see 
performed, even at the risk of his life ; and repeated- 
ly pledged his honor, that he would not suffer any 
thing he had promised, to be infringed on by those 
with whom he was concerned : — 

" Sloan street, Nov. 21, 1808. 
" My dear Wardle, 

" The more I reflect on the conversation 
we had this morning, and which, had for its object 
the pure honor and interest of our country, the more' 
I feel convinced that every individual who is assist- 
ing in the great cause, is entitled, not only to out 
private but to public protection, — These, 1 am fully 
convinced, are your sentiments as well as mine; they 
must indeed, be those of every honest well thinking 
man. If this assurance from me can be of any ser- 
vice, you have my authority to use it as you please, 
for what you mentioned of a certain female. 

" I have no hesitation in believing that her co-ope- 
ration will be more material than that of any other 
human being. God knows she has been infamously 
and most barbarously treated by an illustrious great 
beast ; but she may now have an opportunity of re- 
dressing her wrongs ; and by serving a generous pub • 
He, most essentially to benefit herself: 
" I remain, 

- w My dear Wardle, ever 
(Signed) * « Thos. Dopd." 



( 20 ) 

Ikiring the interval between col. Wardle's first 
and second visit to me, I consulted mr. Stokes upon 
the subject, who advised me not to encounter all the 
unpleasant difficulties, that would necessarily attach 
to the kind of service required of me, without be- 
ing satisfied that I should receive a handsome com- 
pensation for my trouble. 

On the receipt oi this letter, the nature of my 
services and the remuneration I expected, again be- 
came the subject of discussion, in which colonel 
Wardle declared, that ho had laid all my expecta- 
tions before major Dodd, who had authority from 
the duke of Kent, to assure me, that I should have 
¥iore than the annuity o{ four hundred a year, as 
promised by the duke of York. That they would 
make me so far independent, as to enable me, if I 
chose, to keep my coach and four, and an estab- 
lishment equal to the style and elegance of my equip- 
age. 

I now requested him to repeat the particulars of 
the remuneration the duke of Kent intended to make 
for my services^ fie said, that he and major Dodd 
would hold themselves responsible for the duke of 
Kent giving five thousand pounds; besides 
four hundred a year secured to me— my 

DEBTS ALL DISCHARGED AND A HOUSE FUR- 
NISHED IN ANY STYLE OF ELEGANCE I PLEAS- 
ED. 

All this did not quite satisfy me as to the sincerity 
of their professions. 1 therefore told colonel War- 
die, that I would not lend myself to the projects of 
any set of men, unless i had very good assurance of 
their honor and liberality ; proofs of which must be 
given to me in the most unequivocal manner, and 
that I also wished to see major Dodd, in order to 
hear what he, could urge in justification 

OF THE EXTRAORDINARY BUSINESS IN WHICH 
HE WAS ENGAGED. 

Colonel Wavclte agreed, to the propriety of my see- 



( 21 ) 

ing major Dodd, and then entered upon their inten- 
ded visit to the M arte I fa toners; urging me to ac- 
company them, when he promised to introduce me 
to the major and mr. Glennie; — and alter presenting 
me with a hundred pounds for my immediate use, and 
receiving my assent to the journey, he left me. 

Impreseed with a belief that this political connex- 
ion would again restore me to my former state of af- 
influence and comfort, and at the desire of colonel 
Wardle, who wished me to reside more to the west- 
ward of the town, for the convenience of major 
Dodd and himself, while he was proceeding in t he- 
house of commons, upon my promised information; 
1 took possession of my present house in Westborne 
place. 

As nothing at this time beyond the hundred pounds 
and promises had been bestowed on me, 1 only asked 
mr. Wright to send in a few necessary articles of fur- 
niture, till I could introduce to him a gentleman who 
was to furnish me a house as my taste and inclina- 
tion might direct. This,, mr. Wright accordingly 
did after { had made him acquainted with some of the 
circumstances relating to that gentleman's political 
views, and the service I was to afford to him, as an 
equivalent for his gif's. 

To have left my house in Bedford place, which 
was very convenient as well as complete in point of 
furniture, for an empty house in Westborne place, 
would have appeared very strange to mr. Wright, 
unless I had let him a little into the secret of my 
proceedings. This will account for my having been 
obliged, to place a confidence in him, with respect 
to the friendship I was to receive from colonel War- 
d!e> whose nam e 1 had not then made known to mr. 
Wright 

Previous to the morning I was to leave London for 
the Murtello Toners, i had got the promise of a 
young lady to accompany me on this journey, who 
not coming, after colonel Wardie and myself had 



( 22 > 

waited for her* an hour over her appointment, we 
sef off from Westborne Place, leaving our address, 
if she came to my house in any reasonable time. 
When we had arrived at colonel Wardle's coach- 
maker's, Charles-street, Middlesex Hospital, I, for 
the first time in my life, saw major Dodd and mr. 
Giennie, who were at this place waiting for us, and 
after the formalities of an introduction had passed, 
colonel W. in compliment to me, waited some time 
for my companion. In consequence of having wait- 
ed near two hours for this lady, the day was too far 
advanced in this dark season of the year to admit of 
our going so far as was intended ; we therefore, were 
obliged to stay that night at Maidstone, which place 
we left early on the next morning for the neighbor- 
hood of the Martello Towers, where we soon arrived. 

Mr. Giennie, who appeared perfectly well ac- 
quainted with the topography of the neighborhood, 
and all the military works established on this part of 
the coast, wrote a note under (I believe) a false 
name, to solicit permission for him and his friends to 
see the Martello Towers, which with some difficulty 
was obtained. 

The day being frosty and fine, I accompanied thera 
thither, when Mr. Giennie took out his pocket-book, 
and after many enquiries on the part of major Dodd 
and himself, he took minutes of every particular re- 
lating to the construction of these military works, all 
of which he surveyed with a geometrical accuracy, 
and a malicious satisfaction. 

A number of workmen were employed in repair- 
ing these works, the foundation of which appeared to 
have given way, and of which, mr. Giennie spoke in 
very severe terms, as an ineffectual obstruction to the 
landing of the enemy, and consequently an unneces- 
sary expence to the country. 

* As ray companion did not come, I expressed a wish to take 
my maid, but this was opposed, as the colonel thought it would be 
daugerous to speak before her. 



( 23 ) 

While we were surveying these military works, I 
found by the silly questions colonel W anile put to 
mr. Glennie and major Dodd, that he was perfectly 
ignorant of the art of fortification ; and indeed the 
difhculty was considerable, on their part, to make 
him understand the delects attending the construc- 
tion of the various military works which came under 
our inspection. We now proceeded to the Royal 
Military Canal, which begins on Romney Marsh, anci 
runs twenty miles along the country. 

The defects attending the formation of this line of 
defence, were also spoken of by mr. Glennie and 
major Dodd in very harsh terms ; and while they 
were privately committing to paper all the prominent 
imperfections of its construction, one of the officers 
of the engineers belonging to the works, fell into a 
conversation with mr. Glennie, upon the subject, 
and gate him some useful information. 

On our return to dinner, at Hythe, the reader 
may naturally enough conceive, that the object of 
the journey formed the chief topic of discussion, in 
which colonel Wardle could not take a distinguished 
part, unless it was jrom his entire ignorance of that 
branch of mathematics which includes fortification. 

When the cloth was removed, and the wine in cir- 
culation, 1 was gradually raised into great mirth, as 
it became the task of mr. Glennie and major Dodd, 
to make colonel Wardle understand the true princi- 
ple of the Martello Towers-, and what ought to have 
been the construction of the military canal ; and in 
what points they were defective and useless, as a de- 
fence of this part of the coast. 

The task of teaching a dull child the first elements 
of a language, or science, is nothing compared witla 
the trouble and whimsical difficulties, that attended 
Glennie and Dcdd's explanation and illustration of 
the subject, upon which the immaculate patriot was 
to make a luminous speech, in the house of Commons. 
Heaven only knows how he at last got it into his 
head for oral description in parliament, for on the 



( 24 ) 

day of which I am speaking, it appeared to require a 
hammer, to beat in the difference between an octagon 
and a triangle. 

Nothing of any moment occurred on our journey 
back to town, where we arrived safe after four days 
absence. Col. Wardle was set down at his own house, 
and after I arrived at mine, major Dodd and mr. 
©lennie took leave of me for their respective dwellings. 

From this time till i gave up the idea of publish- 
ing my memoirs, colonel Wardle and his party were 
constantly with me, in order, as they said, to prevent 
any one from endeavoring to dissuade me from afford- 
ing them, that support, which was so important to 
their cause. 

My enemies were now putting, every kind of un- 
handsome and false construction upon my acquaint- 
ance with colonel Wardle, that malice and ingenuity 
could suggest; but I feel a consciousness of not having 
deserved the slander that was dealt out so liberally 
against me, and though it is now political, for colonel 
Wardle to forget and deny his promises, yet in this 
particular, I think, he will not have the hardihood 
even to insinuate any thing to the prejudice of my 
private conduct, as a woman and a mother. 

Our acquaintance was merely of a political nature, 
and only had for its object the business which came 
before the house of Commons. Indeed col. Wardle 
was too much absorbed in love of his fair mist remand 
the great work in which he had embarked, to think of 
any thing besides her, and the duke of York's destruc- 
tion; and, I doubt not, but the reader will think with 
me, that between /ore and uar, he had quite enough 
to engage the tanier as well as the malignant passions 
of his soul, without making me an object of personal 
admiration. 

Mr. Taylor, the shoe-maker of Bond-street, of 
whom the public heard so much in the character of 
Morocco Embassador, was in the habit of calling at 
West bone place, and as col. Wardle and major Dodd 



( to ) 

had heard mc say that he \*as the repository of sonffc 
of the duke's secrets, they expressed a wish to have a 
conversation with him, under as much disguise as pos- 
sible; accordingly, I introduced Dodd to the lady's 
shoe-maker, as a tradesman, under a false name, and 
in order that they should soon become familiar with 
each other, I informed Dodd, that Mr. Taylor was an 
excellent draught player, and not a little fond of being 
considered a proficient in this science, which produ- 
ced the immediate exertion of their skill upon the 
draught-board. 

The embassador soon found that his companion 
could not play, which rendered the game flat and un- 
interesting to both of them. Dodd was therefore driv- 
es to another expedient, to obtain a freedom of con- 
versation, and accordingly asked Mr. Taylor to take 
a glass of brandy and water, which he made of nearly 
all brandy, and forced it upon him as fast as possible. 
This, for a time, had the desired effect, as it made the 
embassador very loquacious, and unreserved in hkan- 
stcers to major Dodd, with respect to the duke of 
York's affairs. 

Major Dodd did not manage this business with that 
policy that was necessary to its success. Instead of 
coming in a coat with plain buttons, he had on one 
with the buttons usually worn by the secretaries of 
the royal dukes, and thus he defeated the object of 
his interview with the moroeco embassador ; for, the 
moment he noticed major Dodd's buttons, he became 
very cautious, gave a different turn to his observations 
with respect to the duke of York, end stole away as 
soon as he conveniently could. 

On the following day, however, the doubtful com- 
panion of the embassador was no longer an object of 
suspicion, in consequence of his meeting major Dodd 
in company with a lady; and seeing a man take off 
his hat to them, of whom he soon made some enqui- 
ries, and heard that the tradesman war. no le*>s a per- 
sonage than major Dodd,- the faithful ^ccretaj v to his 
C 



( 26 ) 

royal highness the dukeof Kent. Doubtless this cir- 
cumstance, as well as a variety of information, was 
communicated to the duke of York, through the me- 
dium of this convenient character, whose stories ob- 
tained belief without the due attention of his royal 
highness; otherwise, measures might have been re- 
sorted to, that would have nipped colonel Wardel's 
honors in the bud* 

I have thought it right to make this short digres- 
sion, to shew the praise-worthy expedients to which 
major Dodd has resorted, in order to serve the cause 
of his royal master. 

Our acquaintance had now proceeded sufficiently 
far to convince colonel Wardle and major Dodd, that 
without me, all their schemes to displace the duke of 
York would prove abortive, and therefore I was 
scarcely left an hour in the day to myself. While 
major Dodd was gone to the duke of Kent with in- 
formation respecting me, either mr. Glennie or coL 
Wardle, was left on guard, and during the severe 
weather in last January twelvemonth, major Dodd 

was CONSTANTLY GOING TO AND FROM THE 

duke of Kent, at Ealing, to me at West- 
borne place, on the business of displa- 
cing his royal brother. 

One evening, while col. Wardle and myself were 
waiting the return of major Dodd, from Ealing, their 
promise to me became the subject of our conference* 
when I recollected that I had omitted to include in 
my agreement with him and the major, the debt due 
to my attorney, mr. Comrie, of j£l012. Colonel 
Wardle expressed the anger of a friend at my forget- 
iuln^ss and neglect, but made a minute of the parti- 
culars* and wished to know whether there was any 
thing else toharrass my mind, as I might rest assured 
that neither the duke of Kent, major Dodd, nor him- 
self, would suffer the peace of my mind t® be distur* 
bed by the dread of a legal process* 

The colonel continued to assure me, that if he h*d 



( 27 ) 

(he purse, he should feci as disposed as tl e duke of 
Kent had professed to be (through the medium of 
major Dodd and himself) to do those things (for 
which he and major Dodd had become responsible, 
as far as the honor of gentlemen could render them so) 
and satisfy me — but, he was sorry to observe, that 
he was a poor man, and had two fami'.ies to support, 
otherwise he would instantly advance the money. 

To these circumstances I was no stranger, and 
therefore did not look to him individually, for any 
thing beyond the payment of my furniture in West- 
borne place, for which he was the most prominent 
and tangible security; but I did not expect he would 
have pledged his honor as a gentleman, to see those 
promises made good, which induced me to stand up 
in the house of commons against a royal duke, and 
incur all the anxiety and calumny attaching to a wit- 
ness under such circumstances, without obliging his 
political colleagues to fulfil their engagement to the 
extent of its spirit and letter. 

I am of opinion that there is not a person in Eng- 
land, at all acquainted with the proceedings of the 
house of commons, with respect to the duke of York 
and my connexion with Wardle and his party, who 
is so credulous as to believe what colonel Wardle has 
lately endeavored to make the people of England 
credit as a divine revelation; namely, that I incur- 
red the exposure of myself, children, and family, togeth* 
er with abuse, anxiety of mind, and fatigue of person 
during my examination in parliament from a pure pat- 
riotic ZEAL TO SERVE THE PUBLIC. 

If there should be a person in the country that in- 
dulges such an opinion of my patriotism, he must be 
the most insane, or the most weak man that ever lived : 
— nay, even (if it be possible) weaker than sir Rich- 
ard Phillips. 

If I were to tell the same gross falsehood which has 
issued from the immaculate col. Wardle, and compli- 



( 28 ) 

jtoent mjself on having appeared against the duke of 
York, without any motives of interest, beyond the 
gratification of serving the public, I am sure the intel- 
ligent reader would consider me a most impudent Jiy- 
pocrite, and with great justice; for if I had not been 
well satisfied of receiving the remuneration agreed 
upon, not all the Jacobinical parties in Europe should 
have introduced my letters and person to the notice 
of parliament. 

So anxious was colonel Wardlc to please me in ev- 
ery particular that he thought would operate agreea- 
bly upon my feelings, and induce me to be communi- 
cative with respect to the duke of York, that he advi- 
sed me to stipulate with the duke of Kent, through 
the medium of major Dodd, iorone of the unfinished 
houses in Hamilton place, Piccadilla ; — observing 
withhis usual sagacity, that if princes uish to be ser- 
ved, and at such risks ; they must pay for it, and he, 
was sure the duke of Kent would not refuse his little 
mortgage* any thing/ 

As far as the information I collected from colonel 
bardie and major Dodd will enable me to speak cor- 
rectly; I cannot refrain from laying before the rea- 
der, the expectations of the colonel, on the duke of 
Kent's being appointed commander in chief of the 
army — a station in the country he was anxious to ob- 
tain by every ?neans in his power, as may be seen, by 
ihe preceding part of this narrative. 

Be assured, reader, that colonel VVardle did not 
join in the meditated destruction of the duke of 
York's reputation from the love of his country, and 
his sensibility of the public suiTerings: — believe me, 
his patriotism was nourished by other motives, more 
endearing to the ambitious mind, than those of disin- 
terested zeal for the rights of man, and the rtforma* 
tion of abuses. 

*"~* As soon as colonel Wardle had got over the little ceremo- 
nies attendant on a first acquaintance, be called rae the Duke of 
Kent's Uttte mortgage, 



( 29 ) 

Perhaps, when I name the high place of trusr, 
which was assigned to him in the bock of rewards, 
for particular acts of seivice, many of his friends may 
let, that the politics of the day, have not introdu- 
ced him to the office of secretary at war, which col, 
Wardle said the duke of Kent promised him, through 
his influence, on being made commander in chief of 
the army. 

Major Dodd affected to despise the idea of reward, 
and endeavored to persuade me, that he was of that 
school of philosophy which only does good for the 
love of good, and is unacquainted with the base and 
sordid principle of the golden lexer, which appears 
more effectually to move the world, than the boasted 
mechanical powers of Archimedes, who only wanted 
a place to stand upon to raise the earth ; but if the 
learned geometrician were living in this enlightened 
age, he would be soon satisfied that the present race 
of ingenious Britons, are greatly improved in mechan- 
ics, and now understand the raising of small and large 
bodies, better than the ancients did, and upon a more 
certain principle; namely, when we \var>t to raise the 
world ice need only raise the ui-nd ! 

This generous creature, the major, declared, that 
if the duke of Kent should be ^o fortunate, as to re- 
move his royal brother, from the command of the ar- 
my, and be able to slip into his station, he would 
immediately retire from office, and reside in the 
country, where he might enjoy the delectable gratifi- 
cation of having been the means of serving one of the 
most virtuous, but ill-treated men that ever lived, anci 
of seeing his royal master in a situation, in which he 
ought to have been, long ago, and for which his great 
talents were calculated to prove of the first impor- 
tance. 

I think he told me, that the salary which he recei- 
ved from Gibraltar was under two thousand a year; 
and that he had objected to take any pecuniary re- 
ward, for his private and confidential secretaryship, 
C 2 



( 30 ) 

in consequence of the great friendship he entertained 
for the duke of Kent. I must confess, that I had no 
reason to doubt major Dodd's word upon this point, 
though he has studied in the school of Phillips, and 
acquired much valuable instruction under that great 
professor of trick, and example of convenient memory. 

Never were letters written to any man, which 
breathed such affectionate regard, as those of the 
duke of Kent to major Dodd. It being necessary to 
satisfy me that major Dodd had not deceived, with 
respect to the authority he had from this high 
personage, to engage and remunerate my ser- 
vices in the house of commons; the major brought 
me many of the duke's letters to read, not only with 
respect to myself, but upon other matters; all of 
which gave positive assurance of his sincere friend- 
ship for his private secretary. 

Much curious matter is now coming under the 
description of my pen, which it will narrate with ev- 
ery respect to truth, though governed by a prudent 
circumspection. 

It may be necessary to observe, that colonel War- 
die gave notice of a motion in the house of commons 
with respect to the commander in chief, on the first 
day of the meeting of parliament, January 21, 1809. 
x The proceedings of the colonel were now bursting 
as it were, upon the public attention, and giving birth 
to a vast variety of speculative observations, upon 
what, might be the probable result of the investi- 
gation. 

It is very well known, that almost every reflecting, 
person in the kingdom, made the charges against the 
duke of York, a subject of interesting consideration 
and remark; consequently the duke of Kent must 
have felt extraordinary sensations in proportion as the 
subject increased in publicity, and gained upon pub- 
lic feeling. Whether it was conscience (that inward 
monitor of the bosom which works strange effects 
upon the guilty mind) that induced the duke of Kent, 



( 31 ) 

to confess in the house of lords, on the 6th of Feb- 
ruary, that his friendship for his royal brother had 
been suspected; — or whether it was the purity, and 
effervescence of his affections for the duke of York, 
that prompted him to this measure, are questions 
which I shall leave to the reader to determine: — but 
certain it is, that he informed the public, through the 
medium of that august assembly, that he had a royal 
brother whom he loved most dearly ! — as may be seen 
by the following speech: — 

House of lords, February 6, 1809, 

" The duke of Kent thought it, at this time, pro- 
per to remark, that it had been supposed by many, 
that he had been at variance with his royal brother, 
from which an inference had been drawn, that he 
countenanced the charges brought forward against 
the commander in chief. Whatever professional dif- 
ferences there had been between them, he entertained 
the highest respect for his royal brother, and believed, 
that he was wholly incapable of acting in the manner 
imputed to him. Instead, therefore, of countenanc- 
ing such charges, he would do every thing in his 
power to repel them. On this subject there was no 
difference of opinion in his family, all the members 
of which concurred in the opinion he had expressed.' 9 

To persons who move in the circle of a palace, 
and have an opportunity of knowing, when puss acci- 
dentally jumps out of the bag, this speech must have 
appeared extravagantly dramatic; and though it had 
all the stage effect of which it was capable, it went 
off badly, and I am inclined to believe, was thought 
but a sorry performance. 

On reading the duke's speech, I said to major 
Dodd — Is it possible, that the duke of Kent could 
have the face, to stand up in the house of lords after 
sdl he had done against the duke of York ?— u PohJ 



( 32 ) 

poh ! — said Dock!, " that was political ; appearances 
you know, my little lady, must be kept up" — and 
my royal friend says, " that a man is never consider- 
ed guilty \\\\ he be proved so ;" — '• besides, it would 
not be prudent for him (of all men) to avow his real 
sentiments at present." The faithful secretary con- 
tinued to observe, that he had been requested by the 
duke of Kent, since his speech in the house of lords, 
to suspend all personal communication with him, till 
the investigation was over, lest his visits to Ealing, 
should lead to the discovery of proceedings, which 
might be fatal to the object of their most sanguine 
wishes. It is absolutely necessary, said the major, 
that we should be more circumspect than ever in our 
proceedings; and when I inform you, that his majes- 
ty has heard, that I accompanied you the first night, 
you went to the house of commons, and became ine- 
briated with drinking success to the great cavse, I am 
sure you will think with me, that there is a necessity 
of being very cautious, in all we do and say, and for 
the future I shall not visit Westborne place till the 
dusk of the day. It appeared, that the king had re- 
peated a variety of observations, that were made on 
that evening, all of which were true; iind which in- 
duced us to be more circumspect in the future ma- 
nagement of our political affairs. 

About this time a report got into circulation, and 
which was perfectly correct, that major Dodd had 
possession of some of my papers. This gave Dodd 
great uneasiness, lest other circumstances should 
come to light with respect to the duke of Kent, that 
might have an improper tendency; accordingly the 
major came to Westborne place and said he had 
something to submit to my consideration, which his 
royal master esteemed of great importance to the 
cause, if I would but allow him to carry the wishes 
of the duke into execution. 

I observed, that from the way, he had prefaced the 
object of the dukes solicitation, I was inclined to be- 



( 33 ) 

iievc, it wai of a nature, to which I could not lend 
myself, as I was already satisfied, that he and his 
friends did not suffer trifling impediments to stop up 
the path to their greatness. 

After evading this observation by a laugh, he in- 
formed me, that it was the wish of his master, that 
he should go down to the house of commons, as a 
voluntary witness* and echo the friendly sentiments 
which his royal highness had expressed in the house 
of lords respecting the duke of York, in order to pre- 
serve appearances, and clothe their real proceedings 
in mystery. 

There appeared so much villainy in this effort to 
blind the public, that 1 instantly lost my temper, and 
declared in the strongest terms, the moment of irri- 
tation supplied, that if major Dodd dared to become 
the tool of such an iniquitous act, I would sacrifice 
all my expectations of reward, by a full exposure of 
their extraordinary proceedings, against the duke of 
York, the next time I should be examined in the 
house of commons. 

The major paused some time upon this unexpected 
reply, and then observed, that he would communicate 
my sentiments to the duke, who (he was afraid) 
would feel greatly disappointed at the result of his vis- 
it, that evening, to Westborne Place; he, however^ 
could not leave the house, without assuring mc, that 
he had urged every argument in his power, to dis- 
suade the duke, from obliging him, to echo the sen- 
timents of his speech in the house of commons, as a 
voluntary witness thinking as he did, that such a meas- 
ure would only create suspicion, and induce the pub- 
lic to give the subject an unnecessary attention. 

On the following evening, major Dodd repeated his 
visit to Westborne place, and again resumed the sub- 
ject, by informing me, that he had told the duke of 
Kent, of my opposition to his intended statement in 
the house of commons, and that his royal highness, 
had hit upon another expedient, to conceal their plan 



( 34 ) 

of operations, and impose upon the duke of York, 
and the credulity of the public. 

On asking him what other wickedness his fertile 
genius had suggested, as necessary, for his good pa- 
tron to employ against the commander in chief, he 
told me that his royal friend, begged I would not op- 
pose his measure inspirit and principle, if I did in 
maimer and form ; that it now assumed a less object- 
ionable shape for public notice, and then observed, 
that he had met with a paragraph in a daily print, 
which is as follows :— *- 

" Captain B)odd, who was aid-de-camp to the 
duke of Kent, who was also major of brigade un- 
der his royal highness, has been removed from his 
situations, in consequence of what came out on mr. 
Donovan's evidence before the house of commons." 

And which gave him an opportunity of publicly de- 
nying any political acquaintance with me, in a letter 
to the editor of the Morning Chronicle, which as I did 
not seriously object to, he gave the same evening to 
mr. Hague, who was instructed to request his friend, 
mr. Finnerty, to insert it in the Morning Chronicle, 
as early as possible : — 

To the editor of the Morning Chronicle. 
" Mr. Editor, 
" In your paper of the 15th inst. it is stated, I 
have been removed from the situations I held under 
his royal highness fhe-duke of Kent ; as that state- 
ment is altogether unfounded, I must request you to 
insert this contradiction of so false and inju- 
rious a paragraph; I also most solemnly de- 
clare, THAT I NEVER DID DIRECTLY, or INDI- 
RECTLY, apply to mrs. Clarke for the possession of 
ANY PAPER OR DOCUMENT WHATEVER ! ! 

I am, sir, 
Your humble servant, 
Sloane Street, Thomas Dodd." 

March l6th, I8O9. 



( 35 ) 

Pray reader, reflect upon this solemn declaration 
to the public, as coming from a gentleman in the high 
station of private and confidential secretary to a prince; 
■ — then compare it with the following letter, and the 
other documents of this narrative. It would be an 
insult to the understanding of my reader, if I were 
to dwell at any length upon this part of my subject, 
in order to show major Dodd's character in a clearer 
point of light j than these documents illustrate: — 

" Tuesday Morning. 

" My dear mrs. Clarke, 

" I have been so ill these two days that I 
have sot been able to quit the house, excepting for 
half an hour yesterday. I have looked out every pa- 
per in my desk, where the letters are contained, to 
find those you alluded to, but I cannot meet with 
them, and as I always kept the whole carefully tied up 
in two parcels, it seems to me impossible that any 
could fall out. I perfectly, however, recollect a 
french letter, but none from princess S. — therefore, 
you may be sure it never was in my possession, for I 
have been extremely particular in returning you eve- 
ry paper which you entrusted to my charge. I 
will, however, rummage once more, and if I find any 
thing, I will bring it to you to-morrow forenoon, 
when I expect to be able to have the pleasure to see 
you. 

You r's, most truly, 

T. D." 

I have since regretted exceedingly that I did not 
embrace the opportunity I then had, of exposing and 
shaking off my acquaintance with this honorable par- 
ty, who have introduced me and every one connected 
with them, into nothing but disgrace and misfortune. 



( 36 ) 

and who appear like the poisonous tree* of the east, 
which does not suffer any thing to flourish within its 
baneful influence. 

If the reader should consider my comparison, as 
conveying too much personal severity, he must call 
to his recollection, that these persons were not satis- 
fied, with injuring the reputation and happiness of 
one individual, but have endeavored to disgrace^ and 
if possible, destroy the only person who afforded them 
political consequence, and the power of gratifying an 
unnatural hatred towards a ******* ; — consequently 
they have been to me, as the fatal tree of which I 
speak, which lays waste the soil that gave and sup- 
ports its existence. 

Doubtless the man, who had lately the hardihood, 
to stand up in a court of justice, and declare upon 
oath, that his royal master, was not acquainted with 
his proceedings against the duke of York, will not 
feel much embarrassment — in again swearings that I 
have not related the truth, and that, all the preceding 
pages of this work, are nothing but a catalogue of 
gross falsehoods ; — but I do not fear to make out a 
clear case, and to connect my facts in such a way, as 
will leave no doubt upon the mind of my readers, 
though disposed to scepticism, that my narrative will 
be a faithful portrait of the respective persons that 
have come under the feeble powers of my pencil to 
delineate. 

Though major Dodd, acknowledged in the court * 
of king's bench, that he was concerned with colonel 
Ward.le in the proceedings against the commander in 
chief (on patriotic principles of course) yet it may be 
necessary to produce a few of his notes to me, in or* 
der to show how far he was interested in the investi- 
gation, and mixed up in every part of the conspiracy : 
- — The following are a specimen : — 

* The Bohun Upas tree, on the island of Java, of which 4?. 
Darwin gives a long and curious account, in the second volume? 
of his " Loves of the Plants." 



( 37 ) 

" Ask Donovan where the money was lodged by 
Tonyn £500; and where Tucker's ?" 

16 Ask when Dowler was made commissary ?" 

" Do write, or see Thynne, and enquire respecting 
the exchange between knight and Pleydell." 

u Bring the papers from Bedford Place — French's." 

< ; My dear mrs. Clarke, 

" I called yesterday at Glennie's for the pa- 
pers, but he is gone to Woolwich, and will not return 
till Saturday evening; I will see him on Sunday 
morning. 

Your's, alwa3 7 s, 
Tuesday Morning. T. D." 

In consequence of having written to major Dodd 
for some pecuniary assistance, to relieve the immedi- 
ate necessities of a relation, I received the following 
notes, which show that we were then upon terms of 
intimacy and friendship : 

" I am this moment returned from money hunting, 
without being able to get any ; I declare I have only 
six pounds, and I have enclosed you five. 
God bless you, 

Your's, &c. &c. 
(Signed) Darling/ * 

" My dear mrs. Clarke, 

" I intended answering your letter in per- 
son, not having had the pleasure of seeing you for 
some days, but as your servant says 3'ou are immedi- 

* Major Dodd subscribed this name in ridicule of the mode 
of address usually adopted towards me by the duke of York. 

D 



( 38 ) 

fctely going out, and I have not yet began to dress 5 
and not being very well, I fear I may detain you, I 
therefore hasten to say, that I really would most will- 
ingly comply with your request, had I any cash by 
me, but 1 have been cruelly disappointed lately in 
money matters, and am at this moment much incon- 
venienced on that account. I feel very severely for 
capt. Thompson's distressing situation, and would 
readily relieve him if 1 could. 

Believe to be, 

Your's, very faithfully, 
-T. D." 

It is not my intention in working 'up a portrait of 
major Dodd, to show him in false colors; — yet, in 
justice to myself, I am bound to throw sufficient light 
upon those parts of the picture that are necessary to 
render a faithful representation ot the man. 

I will take the liberty of relating a further proof 
of major Dodd's political acquaintance with me, and 
his having my letters in his possession. 

While under my last examination in the house of 
commons, mr. Whitbread asked me, to produce those 
letters which the duke of York had written to me, 
after our separation. I informed him, that I would 
send them down to the house by my coachman, the 
moment I got home. This, however, did not appear 
a satisfactory answer, which induced the h«use* to 
express it wish, that I should be accompanied by a 
messenger, who might return with the letters imme- 
diately. 

This proposal I eluded, from a/ knowledge that ma- 
jor Dodd had those very letters in hu possession, to 
shew to the duke of Kent. If the house had per- 
sisted in sending a messenger with me on that occa- 
sion, an exposition of all Dodd's operations must 
have ensued, and the whole affair been discovered. 

"*' See the annates of the house of Commons, page 465. 



C 39 ) 

Having, however, obtained permission of the house 
10 go tor these letters alone, I was getting into my 
carriage, when the earl of Mont fort insisted on going 
with me ; and finding, nothing I could urge would 
excuse me, from the honor of his lordship's company, 
I drove home, and left him in the drawing-room 
while I slipt off to major Dodd, whom I fortunately 
found at home ; and after acquainting him with the 
object of mr. Whitbread's request, he brought a bun- 
die of my papers to my house; out of -which he se- 
lected such letters in my front parlor, as best suited 
his views. 

The major then dictated a letter, as necessary tc 
accompany the parcel to mr. Whitbread, which I 
wrote, and sent off immediately by my coachman ; 
and thus the whole business was managed so neatly, 
that the earl of Montfort, who came with me as a 
spy, went back in my carriage to the house of com- 
mons, as wise as he came. 

It may occur to the recollection of my reader, that 
I was asked by some member in the house, whether I 
had given up my papers to colonel Wardle, in aid of 
his prosecution of the commander in chief, and that 
1 had replied in the negative, which was certainly the 
truth, as these letters of the duke of York to me, had 
nothing to do with the business of the investigation, 
further than to satisfy the house, of the duke's pro- 
fessions of regard and affection for me. 

Much time and entreaty were employed, by ma- 
jor Dodd, to obtain these letters, of which he at last 
got possession, under, however, a promise of return- 
ing them in a few days — which he did not accomplish, 
until after the business of the duke was terminated. 

As major Dodd forms a prominent figure in my 
picture of this patriotic groupe, he perhaps, would 
feel offended 'if 1 were to, leave him immediately for 
the penciling of either of his friends. In compli- 
ment, therefore, to the confidential secretary of a 
prince, I shall net take my brush from his portrait, 



i 40 ) 

till every lineament of his character is faithfully laid 
on the canvas, to the best of my pictorial powers. 

To show with what zeal major Dodcl pursued the 
duke of York, and the cause in which he had with so 
much ardor embarked, I will repeat his ozen relation 
of a fact. He informed me, in the presence of co- 
lonel Wardle, that he had seen M'Cullum a few days 
before, and after a conversation upon various circum- 
stances necessary te the success of their plans, he 
desired him to engage several persons to perambulate 
Pall-mall, st. James's-street, the royal exchange, 
and other great public streets of the metropolis, with 
placards, in order to annoy the duke of York, and 
give publicity to M'Cullum's pamphlet,* which had 
been written expressly for that purpose, and to serve 
the duke of Kent. 

These fellows, said Dodd, are now walking about 
with the placards ; and colonel Wardle and myself 
Iiave been this day following them up and down Pall- 
mall, to observe what degree of attention they produ- 
ced, and I assure you, we have been much gratified 
with their attraction of public curiosity. 

On my remonstrating with him for descending to 
such a paltry and dirty act, he told me, that " no- 
thing could be dirty; enough, or low enough, 
to be employed against the duke of York/' 

I believe there is scarcely a military man in the 
kingdom, who was at Gibraltar during the duke of 
Kent's command of that fortress, but is satisfied that 
the duke of York's refusal of a Court Martial to his 
Royal brother, afforded an incontestible proof of his 
regard for the military character, and honor of the- 
duke of Kent; for if a Court Martial had been grant- 
ed to the governor of Gibraltar, I always understood 
there was but one opinion, as to what would have 
been the result; and then, the duke of Kent would 

* I have given the title ot ibis work >b a note to page 1 J* * 



( 41 } 

have lost several thousands a year, and incurred sutu 
public reflections, that would, most probably, have 
been painful to his honorable and acute feelings. It 
was however, this act of affection for the duke of 
Kent, that laid the foundation of that hatred which 
has followed the commander in chief up to the pre- 
sent moment; — and to this unnatural feelings he is 
solely indebted for all the misfortunes and disgrace 
to which he has been introduced. 

In one of the many conversations which I had 
with major Dodd and Glennie, upon the meditated 
ruin of the duke of York, they informed me, thatr 
their royal friend had made every endeavor in his 
power, w poison the king's ear f against the comman- 
der in chief; but as colonel Taylor was so much 
about the person of his majesty, all his efforts had 
proved ineffectual ; — and to have spoken his sentiments 
before col. Taylor, would have been very injudi- 
cious, as he would have immediately communicat- 
ed them to the commander in chief: who, though he 
knew at this time (said these confidential and worthy 
patriots) that the duke of Kent was supporting per- 
sons to write against him, and that some parliamen- 
tary proceedings were upon the eve of bursting upon 
the public attention ; yet deported himself towards 
his royal brother, as if they lived but for each other's 
honor and happiness;: and the duke of Kent, to keep 
up appearances, was more particular in his attentions 
to the duke of York than he had ever been before. 

Such were the arts to which the duke of Kent 
resorted (said Dodd) to lessen his brother in the 
love and esteem of his royal father, and the people 
of England. 

I was very curious to learn every particular rela- 
tive to my political connexion— .as it may be natu- 
rally enough supposed I should be — indeed, to find 
a woman without this usual attendant on her sex 7 
is to see the order of female life inverted, and such- 
D $ 



( 42 ) 

a phenomenon is a wonder in nature, which, though 
it may beget our astonishment, at being, what it 
ought not to be, seldom produces our admiration 
and esteem, and therefore, as I am in every sense 
of the word, a woman, the reader will not be sur- 
prised at my disposition to be curious ! 

Thus prompted to know all the secret movements 
of my political friends, I inquired of major Dodd, 
how he became acquainted with colonel Wardle ; 
and he informed me, that the virtuous mr. Hague 
was to have had the honor of introducing the patri- 
otic colonel to him, but owing to some accident in, 
the time of meeting, mr. Glennie took that honor 
out of mr. Hague's hands, and brought together 
these two great characters for strength of memory 
and public virtue. 

Major Dodd's Chere amie kept (and perhaps now 
keeps) a chop-house, or inferior sort of tavern, in 
the neighborhood of Drury-lane, where he, Hague^ 
Glennie, and other reformers of the state, privately 
assembled to discuss politics, and digest their plan 
of operations. Colonel Wardle also frequented" 
this house, and in that situation formed some idea 
of the public furor, which afterwards attended his 
political opposition to the duke of York. 

If I may be excused in applying Sallust's descrip- 
tion of the secret meetings during Catiline's con- 
spiracy, to this private party at the chop-house*, I 
can fancy bowls of wine without the sanguinanj 
mixture of the Roman libation, handed about in or- 
der to give a solemn effect to their promises of fi- 
delity to such acts of policy, as might be expedient 
to the accomplishment of a greater work than a 
erudent writer will describe ! ! ! 

* Major Dodd and colonel Wardle used to sa), of an evening 
— " Now Jet us go down to the blackguards— -we despise these, 
fellows, but they are useful 'to a conspiracy." 



( <* y 

It may appear somewhat strange to the reader, 
that I should have quoted an author not generally 
read by my sex, but that kind of reading usually 
resorted to by ladies, never engaged my attention. 
1 scarcely know a novel but by name, while histo- 
rical and political writers have long been the chief 
authors of my contemplation. This may be ac- 
counted for, from having mixed much with persons 
of the first rank and talents in the political world, 
from whose conversation I acquired a taste for 
books not common to a lady's library, and from 
whom I also derived considerable intellectual ad- 
vantage. 

It was major Dodd's interest to impress upon 
my mind, that the duke of Kent possessed every 
good quality that could dignify the human hearty 
and exalt the man. 

Amidst the great variety of perfections that en- 
livened the wreaths that Dodd had so liberally en- 
twined round the brow of his royal master, phi- 
lanthropy was not the least conspicuous, of which 
he so often spoke in terms of the highest eulogi- 
um, that miss Taylor began to entertain suspicions 
of the verity of his praise ; which induced us to hit 
upon an expedient, that would at once bring the 
duke of Kent's benevolence to the test. 

In a disguised hand, and under a feigned name, 
she wrote a most excellent letter* to the duke of 
Kent, in which she solicited Ten Pounds, and des- 
cribed the misery of herself and aged sister, in 
such an eloquent strain of piteous narrative, that it 
would have touched the chord of sensibility in the 
heart of a stone ; but had not (as was suspected) 
any effect upon major Dodd's philanthropic and 
benevolent patron. 

Though miss Taylor's letter did not produce one 
guinea to the supposed distressed females, it af- 

- — ■ufEMi j ■■jrn-1 — *■- 

* Miss Taylor is a rerj accomplnhed scholar, 



( 44 ) 

lorded a great deal of private mirth to us, and ob- 
tained from major Dodd, colonel Wardle, and mr. 
Glennie, repeated assurances of the duke's atten- 
tion to the mendicant's application, who felt for the 
distresses of the unfortunate, and had sent the poor 
aged woman, ten pounds. 

I think I never shall forget the hypocritical face 
which Dodd put on, when he said, " You see in 
what estimation the duke of Kent lives among the 
people, and in what way he is looked up to ; — but 
it cannot be a matter of wonder, for the most tri- 
fling letter from the humblest individual in the king- 
dom, receives his immediate attention, and there- 
fore it is easy to account for his being the favorite 
of the people ! 1 !" 

After miss Taylor and myself were satisfied with 
the number of falsehoods our little trick on the 
duke had produced, we began to hoax his royal 
Highness's distinguished good qualities, in such 
pointed terms, that Dodd soon discovered that we 
were the authors of the joke against his patron, 
whom he informed of it — and who afterwards ex- 
pressed his anger at the liberty which we had taken 
with him ; — but the fact is, that these good souls 
were ashamed of their own deception and lies, and 
did not know in what way to restore themselves to 
my good opinion, as Gentlemen of truth and 
benevolence! — two qualities to which they had 
proved themselves perfect strangers. 

Mingling anecdote with narrative I beg to call 
my reader's attention again to my pecuniary differ- 
ence with colonel Wardle, and his amiable associ- 
ates. A few days after I returned from my visit 
to the Martello Towers, I understood, that mr. 
Wright had not seen colonel Wardle, as he was led 
to expect by me, in order to be satisfied of the pay- 
ment of his bill On seeing the immaculate patri- 
ot, I expressed my surprise that he had not attend- 
ed to his promise, and satisfied mr. Wright's mind, 



C 45 ) 

ill order that no further impediments should stand 
in the way of having my house furnished agreea- 
ble to my inclination, and with all possible despatch. 

He attributed his neglect to the hurry of politi- 
cal business, and continuing to profess his usual 
friendship, agreed to accompany me to Rathbone 
place,* which he did on the 1st of December, and 
after having ordered such furniture as met with our 
mutual approbation, he undertook for the pay- 
ment of mr. Wright's bill. On the following day, 
major Dodd accompanied me and colonel Wardle 
to the same warehouse, when we chose the draw- 
ing-room carpets, with respect to which, there has 
since been so much public mirth, on the colonel's 
selection of a scarlet and bronze. On the succeed- 
ing day, December 3d, the colonel went alone to 
Rathbone place, to enter more fully into the na- 
ture of the payment he was to make for my furni- 
ture, when he began a conversation! with mr. Da- 
niel Wright, with respect to a bill for £500. It 
may be necessary to say, mr. Daniel Wright 
agreed to take a bill at a short dale for the above 
sum, in part of payment for the furniture to be 
sent to Westborne place. Colonel Wardle hesi- 
tated for some time, and then observed upon the 
difficulty of giving a bill, without the danger of 
his name being committed with its negociation ; but 
before he left the house, promised to manage the 
business agreeably to mr. D. Wright's request. 

Mr. Wright still remaining in a state of inse- 
curity with respect to the promised bill, called at 
Westborne place about the 14th of December, 
when colonel Wardle happened to be in the house 

* To save proli\iiv of narrative, I avoid repeating the precise 
words of my evidence, in the court of king's bench — I therefore, 
shall omit tny account of mr. Wright's indisposition, and his con- 
finement to his bed, on colonel VVardle's first visit to Rathbone 
place. 

t See the evidence of Daniel Wright, on the trial of hb bro- 
ther's action against colonel Wardle, &Cv- 



< 46 ) 

waiting to see me. As soon as I was informed 01 
mr. Wright's visit, I sent word to colonel Wardle 
that he wished to see him, and the colonel returned 
for answer, that there was no occasion to see mr. 
F. Wright, as he had settled every thing with his 
brother Daniel, but he requested to see me upon 
another business. This answer appeared to me, 
like shuffling, as the narrative of it, no doubt, in- 
duces the reader to believe— -he meant to shuffle / 
I therefore, repeated my, wish, that he would see 
mr. Wright, and make my mind easy ; and after 
several messages had passed between us, he sent 
me a note, (which would since have been of the ut- 
most conseque?ice to me, if it had not been lost) 
persisting in the folly of seeing mr. F. Wright, 
when he had adjusted every thing, to the satisfac- 
tion of his brother. There appeared something 
extraordinary in this part of the colonel's conduct, y 
which induced me to inform him, that unless he< 
saw mr. Wright, and satisfied him with respect to 
the bill, I should feel offended, and would not see 
him again ; and as there was no alternative but that 
of seeing my. upholsterer, or leaving my house, he 
accordingly acquiesced, and when I came down 
stairs, we immediately went to mr. Wright in the 
front parlor. 

The colonel's very cautious behavior on that 
morning, put me upon the alert with respect to my 
expectations ; I therefore thought it prudent to 
speak a little freely before mr. Wright, and opened 
a conversation, by observing, that col. Wardie had 
assured me that alt my debts should be paid ; when 
mr. Wright said, he hoped I would think of the 
debt of £500, due to him, while I was under the 
protection of the duke of York : the colonel ob- 
served, he would not undertake to pay that debt, 
but he would fiut him in the way of getting his 
money; which was, by bringing an action against 
the duke of York. Here the reader may see the 
Colonel, again at work. to. bring the duke ofYovfe 



C w ) 

before the public, or at least to annoy him in every 
possible way ! — but what will confirm this opinion 
is, that the colonel proceeded to assure Wright ^ 
that he would indemnify him for the costs, if he 
would but attack that illustrious personage by a le- 
gal process It is plain from this advice to mr. 
Wright, that colonel Wardle did all he could to 
further the ends of his great patron, who w s to 
return the favor, by raiting him in the state* — I do 
not mean to make any allusion to that elevated sta- 
tion which is under the immediate eye of the sheriff; 
notwithstanding colonel Wardle deserves to be ex- 
alted I — If such an honor should ever await the 
mock patriot, and it were possible for sir R. Phillips 
•o resume all the functions of his late office, what 
a solemn and interesting colloquy would take place 
between these two innocents* on the nature of pub- 
lic virtue, and dying popularity ! ! ! — But I 
will drop col. Wardle, in this line of public advance- 
ment, and return to my narrative. To the credit 
of mr. Wright, be it spoken, that he objected to 
lend himself to the colonel's malicious proposition, 
of bringing an action against the duke of York j 
and there -the matter ended. 

The principal object of Wright's visit being the 
bilL the conversation was naturally enough turned 
again to that important point, when colonel War- 
dle mentioned the following day, as a time that his 
leisure would allow him to attend to that particular 
business ; he then ftaustd awhile and again ob- 
served, that there was some little difficulty in giv- 
ing this bill, as the investigation which was com- 
ing on before the house of commons, made it a de- 
dicate matter for him to put his own hand to paper 1 
the discovery of which might frustrate the busi- 
ness with which mr. Wright had been made ac- 
quainted. But, said the colonel, I will go down to 

* See page 29. 



( 43 ) 

sir Richard Phillips,* to-morrow morning, and he 
and some one else will give you their bill without 
my name appearing ! ! ! 

Mr. Wright having obtained a satisfactory un- 
derstanding with the colonel, departed with a pro- 
mise to complete the order with all possible expe- 
dition. 

Some days having elapsed, and mr. Wright not 
hearing from colonel Wardle as he expected, I 
felt uneasy at the delay, and urged him to keep his 
promise v*ith my upholsterer, as early as possible, 
which produced the following letter from the colo- 
nel to mr. Glennie, who accordingly waited on mr. 
Wright : 

" Eight o'clock) Saturday morning. 

" My DEAR SIR, 

" You will, after seeing mr. Wright, the 
upholsterer, Rathbone place, meet major Dodd 
and myself at Fladong's hotel, about \ past 12 
o'clock. 

" I hope you will be able to prevail upon mr. 
Wright to let mrs. Clarke know that he will be 
satisfied to wait till the end of the next month. 
Do urge to him the impossibility of its being ar- 
ranged as was firo/iosed) through the medium of 
the bookseller,* without committing mrs. C. and our- 
selves — which, assure him, would be of conse- 
quence,./^/ in an extreme, he cannot conjecture- 
The great object is, that mrs. C's mind should be 
rendered perfectly easy, and if mr. W. will do so I 

* The reader will please (o keep in mind the colonel's know- 
ledge of this person. 

* Sir Richard Phillips who after the trial in the month of July, 
assured the people of England, through a letter to the editor of 
the Morning Post, that he did not know colonel Wardle at that 
time, &c— but more of this anon f 



"( *9 ) 

shall feel myself much obliged, and not unmindful 
of his attention to such my wishes (and anxious 
ones they are) upon the subject 

Your's, my dear sir, 
Ever faithfully, 
(Signed) Gilb. L. Warble." 

u To James Glennie, esq." 

This important document (I understand) is now 
in the possession of mr. Corfield, the colonel's late 
attorney, with whom it was left by mistake with 
other papers. When colonel Wardle was about to 
lay his case before counsel, this letter providential* 
fy slipt out of the parcel, and now lives as a monu- 
ment of disgrace to the man, who stood up in a 
court of justice and perjured himself to redeem his 
character with the people of -England ; and although 
perjury appears an Hibernian method to support a 
man's reputation, yet he was kept in countenance 
by sir R. Phillips and several of bAs friends, on my 
late trial for conspiracy ! ! /—-I trust, the attentive 
reader will have been convinced by this time, who 
were the conspirators — myself and the Wrights, 
or colonel Wardle and his despicable associ- 
ates ! ! ! 

Several respectable public prints, employed all 
their sophistry, to pervert the obvious meaning of 
the above letter, and if possible, twist its import to 
the advantage of colonel Wardle. If I were dis- 
posed to dispute points with all the papers that 
have fought in colonel Wardle's cause, I might 
keep writing till my work increased to the size of 
some <sf the quarto compilations, published by the 
political bookseller, which are in such great request 
among the cheesemongers ; and after all my fa- 
tigue only despise myself for condescending to 
commit such an act of folly. I therefore, shall 
leave disputation for the enjoyment of my enemies, 
and continue to travel along the plain path of narra> 
E 



( 50 ) 

tive, with those necessaty illustrations which my 
subject may require. 

Obedient to the wish of the above letter, mr. 
Glennie endeavored to sooth Wright's impatience, 
and persuade him to wait for the bill of ,£500 till 
the investigation should be over ; when he might 
rest assured, that it would be given to him in a ve- 
ry honorable way. 

As an apology for this delay, mr. Glennie urged 
the delicate situation in which the colonel would be 
placed, if he suffered such an instrument to be float* 
ing in the commercial w r orld, which, accident might 
carry into the very hands of his enemies, and af- 
ford the means of discovering his political connec- 
lion with me. mr. Glennie interlarded his solici- 
tation with a large share of eulogium on colonel 
Wardle, as being a gentleman of great integrity, li- 
berality, and hoyior ; — qualities that time has amfily 
illustrated \ I I 

Mr- Wright then had no reason to doubt Mr. 
Glennie's character of Colonel Wardle, but as 
praise would not buy pudding, he still stuck to the 
bill, and assured the delicate Caledonia^, that under 
an impression of receiving it, he had made arrange- 
ments that could not be then counteracted, and 
therefore, could not possibly do without the pecu- 
niary assistance promised by colonel Wardle. Mr. 
Glennie finding that all his art and eloquence had 
no effect on mr. Wright, began to work another 
way to serve his friend. He commenced his lecture 
on his native firudence, by observing, that he thought 
the-house I had taken, was much larger than I had 
any occasion for, and as he suspected that I w r as a 
very extravagant woman, and would run hisfriend i 
fcolonel Wardle, to a very great exfience, he beg- 
ged mr. Wright not to tempt me with expensive 
furniture, as elegance appeared unnecessary. On 
mr. Glennie's asking mr. Wright what he thought 
would be the amount of brs bill for furnishing nry 



( *1 

house, he told him that at least, it would come to 
^£1200, which the delicate Caledonian communicated 
to mr. Wardle, who mentioned it to me, and ex- 
pressed a hope that the bill would not exceed that 
sum ; and in order to keep it down as much as 
possible, Wardle, Dodd, and Glennie used to object 
to such things as afifieared expensive — though they 
first firomiscd furniture in any style of elegance my 
taste and inclination might lead me to desire. Mr. 
Glennie repeatedly spoke to miss Taylor,* upon 
the subject of my furniture, and urged her to per- 
suade me not to enlarge my upholsterer's bill, as 
there would be no end to mr. Wright's demand on 
the colonel's pocket! Until the 28th of December, 
nothing occurred sufficiently interesting for notice, 
when mr. Illingworth, wine-merchant, of Pall-mall, 
then a perfect stranger to me, opened the nature of 
his visit, by saying, that he had the honor to serve 
the duke of Kentf with wine ! and that he suppos- 
ed I had been apprized, by major Dodd, of his bu- 
siness with me. I told him I was perfectly ac- 
quainted with his intended services to them, which 
I hoped would remove any reserve he might feel 
with respect to the affair. 

It is here necessary to inform the reader, that the 
patriot and the faithful secretary had made me/z?*o- 
mise to accept a bill of Illingworth, in order to mask 
the real money transaction, that was then about to 
be enter ed wpotiy between the wine-merchant and 
my upholsterer, lest the then ensuing investigation 
might lead to the discovery of colonel Wardle's 
payment for my furniture ; accordingly mr. Illing- 
worth produced a bill for^500, which I accepted, 
as previously agreed upon by these wise heads ! 

* The lady who was examined in the house of commons, and 
for whom mr. Cobbett raised a subscription. 

t The reader will perceive, that I have not yet got out of the 
<luke of Kent's influence \ ! £ 



C 32 ) 

Mr. Illingworth now hastened to mr. Francis 
Wright, and, as I am given to understand, said — 
" Sir, I am desired by two friends of mine, to give 
you an acceptance for <£500 ; I suppose you know 
who I mean :"—« Yes, said Wright, you mean co- 
nonel Wardle and major Dodd ; I have expected 
to see you, or some other person, for this fortnight 
past." Mr. Illingworth then told mr. Wright, he 
must date the bill a few days forwards as the bill 
he had to provide for^ might be paid first, which 
being agreed to, mr. Wright drew the following, 
on mr. Illingworth, dated the 2d of January, 1809* 
which he accepted, and then observed, that he was 
desired to take a receipt, which was accordingly 
given to him : — 

£500, « London, Jan. 2, 1 8O9. 

" Three months after date, pay to my order, ths 
sum of five hundred pounds, for value received. 

" FRANCIS WRIGHT." 
Mr. R. S. Illingworth y wine \ "Accepted, R. S. Il^ 
merchant, 10, Pall Mall } lingworth. 

Messrs. Birch, Chambers, & Co. 
Bond-street. 

Mr. Wright's receipt— 

" Received, January 2, 1S09, of mr. R. S. II- 
lipgxoorth, a bill of acceptance, this same date, at three 
months, value five hundred pounds, which when paid, 
will be on account for household furniture delivered to 
Mrs. M. A. Clarke, at No. 2, Westbome Place, 

" FRANCIS JV RIGHTS 

As men guilty of any wrong generally disturb 
themselves with their own reflections, so colonel 
Wardle and his party, became alarmed at the mo- 
ney transaction between Iliingworth and Wright, 
lest something might occur, during the investig£- 



C 53 ) 

uon, that would lead to the secret, and at once (&- 
feat the great work of their patron. 9 * 

After much consideration, it was determined, thai 
I should send to Illingworth for a few dozens or 
wine, in order to enable me to say in the house of 
commons, if ever this part of the business was dis- 
covered, thathcuas my wine merchant. Still, 
however, every day brought with it fresh fears upon 
the subject, and produced repeated consultations be- 
tween Wardle, Dodd, and Glennie, as to the most po- 
litical means that could be adopted to get over this 
bill given to Wright, and prevent the posssibility of 
any discovery ! What was now to be done— man£ 
methods were suggested by each of these philoso- 
phers, and as many instantly abandoned, but at last, 
after great anxiety and disputation, as I have since 
understood, it was privately settled between them- 
selves, as a further precaution, that major Dodd 
should get a bill of sale prepared: — Mark, reader, a 
bill of sale prepared! under the pretence of its 

EEING A BOND OF INDEMNITY to me, for the 

verjormance of all their promises. Accordingly ma* 
*©r Dodd brought this supposed bond ot security,' 1 -' 
and with his usual professions of friendship, and ar. 
appearance of being in a great hurry to attend the 
duke of Kent, he induced me to sign immediately with- 
out allowing me to read it. i\jy brother, capt. Thomp- 
son, was present, and on being asked to become a 
witness to this supposed instrument J or my security, 
declined, with this declaration — " That he would nor 
lend his name, or sanetion, to any thing that was di- 
rectly or indirectly connected with the proceedings 
against the duke of York ! 

I have since heard, that Dodd deceived me into this 



* Though it may appear a little extraordinary that I should 
sign a bond, winch was a supposed security to me, yet at that lime 
I was not sufficient lawyer to detect the imposition, but, experi- 
ence has since taught me better, 

E o 



( s* ) 

measure, to make it appear that Illingworth had a 
better security by the possession oi a billot sale, 

THAN THE COU/lter ACCEPT A NCE of a mat Tied W0- 

mam It was thought this act ot policy would com- 
pletely veil the real transaction in mystery, as Illing- 
worth's bill to Wright would have the appearance of 
having been given under the consideration ot good 
security ! 

The only difficulty that now attended the regular 
execution of this legal instrument, (which proves so 
fatal to the property of hundreds) was to get a, con- 
fidential witness, as it could not with propriety bear 
the signature of major Dodd ; but after some reflec- 
tion upon the subject, he said he would obviate that 
difficulty, and, as I was afterwards intormed, he took 
it to mr. illingworth, who was not apprised of the in- 
tended deposit, till it was surrendered to his care. 

Before I proceed any further, I cannot forego the 
opportunity I have,, of reflecting a little on the bill of 
mle; or, as major Dodd called it, a Bond of In- 
demnity!!! — What! must the reader think ot men 
who wished to possess (under the motive ot conceal- 
ing their money concerns with my upholsterer) & powd- 
er oxer my furniture which was their own free gilt to 
me ?— Here it is clear, they not only thought them- 
selves secure in one quarter, but believed they held a 
terror over my head, and kept me as it were, at the 
mercy of their caprice L 

Jt is impossible for the rational reader to be so 
sceptical as to believe, that I should have gone such a 
roundabout way to pay for my furniture! No one, I 
flatter myself,.. can be so weak as to suppose that mr. 
Iliingworth, whom I never saw bejore, and who waited 
on me, (as 1 have already detailed) to take the accep- 
tance of a married woman; — a security which no 
stranger, but mr. llhngzvorth, would have taken; and 
ke would not have been so <wtak as to have taken ity 
\inder different circumstances 1 — I ask the reader, if he 
vill for one moment believe, that after I had given- 






( 55 } 

my acceptance tomr. lllingworth, and he given n,i 
bill to mr. Wright, that /should have forced a bili, 
of sale on this stranger, as a further security to 
hnu T and by which he could come and se II off all my 
furniture} The thing is too ridiculous tor public cre- 
dit! It it were possible tor mr. lllingworth to have 
shewn me any act of kindness, independent of other 
motives for the benefit 01 colonel Wardle and major 
Dodd, I trust the reader will do me the justice to be- 
lieve, that 1 should have had more sense than to- have 
knowingly committed my property to the mercy of a 
strange man, several days after he had satisfied mr. 
Wright, and taken the counter security, according to 
the arrangement of colonel Wardle and major Dodd. 
For the present, I think I have said sufficient upon 
this point, and shall, therefore, proceed in my narra- 
tive. 

During the interval of lllingworth giving hm ac- 
ceptance to mi\ Wright, and his bill becoming due 
(that is to say, between the 2d of January and the 
3 i st of March) colonel Wardle was greatly pushed 
for money, and as I have since understood trom good 
authority was raising the circulating medium through 
the influence of all the celebrated money-lenders in 
London, particularly Jew King, who prides himsef, 
as I shall presently shew, in bringing his friend colonel 
Wardle, into public notice! //— by the force and energy 
of his writings, in a Sunday pa^er, called The British 
Guardian, which is honored by the editorship of that 
virtuous, but notorious gentleman Hi — of whom many 
persons in the town would have the confidence to say — 

" Oh, mr. King! libel me with all things but tby praise !!! 

Returning, however, to the honest patriot, who, a 
few days beiore he had to make up his share of llling- 
worth s bill, which was 250/. lor him and 2501. for 
major Dodd, found great difficulty in raising that 
sum, and employed his late attorney, mr. CurfieW, 



( 50 ) 

upon the business, who has now a letter in his posses-' 
$ion (which 1 am sure he is a man of too much honor 
to deny,) that speaks of Newnam and Co. of Mansion 
house Street, as the bankers, in whose hands his 
bill to Illingvvorth was lying to be honored, and 
which, I believe, this much injured gentleman, took 
Up at the above house. 

It I may be allowed to digress a little from my 
chain of facts, relative to mr. Illingworth, the colo- 
nel, and major Dcdd, I cannot omit my notice of 
Warded ungentlemanly treatment of Corfjeld. 

As I understand the case (which I believe mr. Cor- 
field will not — and the colonel cannot deny) it ap- 
pears that this gentleman has raised, at different 
times, upon mortgage, &c. &c. near twenty thousand 
pounds for the prudent Patriot, and during the 
investigation, was his best legal friend. In fact, he 
was employed day and night on his private and public 
business, till he became averse to the defence of 
Wright's action, from having discovered his client's 
guilt, and an infamous disposition to plunge through a 
sea of Perjury, to retrieve a something, he called 
his character!!! with the people ot England. 

Mr. Corrield's eyes now began to be opened, and 
his client also began to see that honesty and roguery, 
were qualities of the human character, like iron and 
stone, that do not amalgamate; he therefore, by the 
most artful means, got (as he imagined) all his papers 
from mr. Corfield — for the professional use of a gen- 
, tleman, who, though as sharp as a sword, is not quite 
so polished; but is, perhaps, better calculated for that 
kindoi business necessary ta the very existence of col- 
onel Wardle, 

The passion of ingratitude appears so completely 
a part of the colonel's nature, that after all mr. Cor- 
field's professional and friendly services, he endeavored 
in his absence, to get his bill taxed, and was after- 
wards, 1 hear, instrumental in making a deadly at- 
tack on his character, as an attorney, m the statesman- 



< £7 ) 

an evening paper, in which it is asserted uith some cour 
fidence, that he has a property and influence ! ! ! 

As 1 should be sorry to leave mr. Illingworth's 
character and services ha f defined, I will return to the 
history of his concerns with me* A day or two be- 
fore his bill to Wright, became due, he called at 
Westborne Place, and entreated- me to solicit my up- 
holsterer not to urge for the immediate payment oj the 
bill, as he was much pushed for cash. Major Dodd 
having, however, previously informed me,, that he had 
provided his share, namely, ,£250, I expressed my an- 
ger at his application, and told mr. Illingworth that 
1 had no business with his money concerns;, and if the 
bill were not taken up, he and colonel Wardle must 
be answerable for their neglect : — that, as the colonel 
had agreed to furnish my house, he ought to be pre- 
pared for the consequences. 

Mr. Illingworth finding he could not obtain any 
thing by his visit, began a conversation upon general 
subjects, in the course of which, he spoke of himself y 
family, and the duke of Kent, which will shortly enr 
gage my attention. After some difficulty usually at- 
tendant on the raising of money through such a per- 
son as Jew King, colonel Wardle and major Dodd pro- 
vided for Illingworth's bill, as appears by the foil© w*- 
ing letter to mr. Wright: — 

i* Mr. W r right, 

" I am sorry to tell you (and at so short a notice) 
that I really cannot pay my bill of £500, to-morrow, 
not because my two friends did not pay t heir's (they 
having done so) but because I am really most seri- 
ously distressed by some heavy bills being returned 
tiponme, in the City Road, which i am compelled to 
take up, or have my credit seriously iujured. I have 
inclosed you three bills, amounting to £369 8 6+ 
the difference you shall have in cash, in a day or two, 
and 1 can assure you, I shall consider my sell very 
greatly obliged to you fur so accommodating &%&, 



C 58 ) 

it is really out of my power, under the present cir* 
cumstances, to pay my bill, and \ shall be happy, 
when in my power, to render you any favor of a simi- 
lar kind. 

" I remain your obedient servant, 
" R. S. Illingworth. 1 ' 
Mr, Wright, Ratkbone Place. 

I intreat the reader to couple the text and spirit of 
this letter with the preceding pages, relative to mr, 
Ulingworth, and then ask himself, what he now thinks 
of a conspiracy against colonel VVardle? — would the 
colonel have gone among money lenders for a week be- 
fore, to raise money formr. Ulingworth, under any o- 
ther circumstances than those of having got this use- 
ful wine-merchant , to pay the promised £b00 to mr. 
Wright, in that circuitous way, which agreeable to 
the policy of the moment, was deemed expedient? If 
this had been an accommodation to me, why not have 
called on me for the money — or have sent my bill in- 
*o circulation, which I gave as a blind to mr. Uling- 
worth? — or which was the more effectual mode for 
the re-payment of Ulingworth — the famous bill of 
sale, which Podd made me sign, to conceal their real 
proceedings. This would at once, have turned all my 
property into cash, and prevented the colonel from 
seeking pecuniary assistance in a little dark room in 
Poland -street, which is so well known to many needy 
adventurers, besides speculative Politicians ! 

There is an old remark, u only give your enemy 
rope enough and he will hang himself* — and the colo- 
nel and his colleagues have verified this maxim in 
the fullest manner. One falsehood has led them into 
another — and one act of infamy obliged them to con- 
ceal it by becoming still more infamous, till they and 
infamy, are so identified, that it is difficult to speak of 
the one without meaning the other ! 

I beg to assure the reader, that the bill I gave to 
»r. Ulingworth for ^500, was never offered for pay.* 



( 55 ) 

mtnt, and I also pledge my honor, and will give mij 
oath, if it be necessary, that the bill of sale was never 
acted upon ; — and before I come to mr. Illingworth's 
confession with respect to them, I will ask one simple 
question of the reader, that is — whether he will be- 
lieve, after this dev elopement of facts, that a stranger* 
as this wine-merchant was ; wonld have paid five 
hundred pounds for ME, having a bill, which he 
could have sent into circulation and annoyed me upon, 
together with an immediate power over my property, 
and yet never trouble me for either ? I believe 
mr. Illingwortb is a weak man, but I never found a 
tradesman weak in money matters; — even the book- 
seller, of Bridge-street, shines in the art of managing 
money concerns, as is well known to those persons who 
have any dealings with him. 

When the colonel's honest principles induced him 
to resist the payment of the remainder of mr. Wright's 
"bill, after he had no further use for my services, 
my solicitor, mr. Stokes, thought it necessary to call 
on mr. Illingworth, to hear what he had to say upon 
the subject, as far as he had been concerned in the 
transaction. I must inform the reader that at this 
time, colonel Wardle had not taken the precaution to 
see mr. Illingworth, and school him upon the busi- 
ness ; therefore, he being taken by surprise, simply 
and fairly related to mr. Stokes, the particulars of 
the case, lie told him, that on the morning of his 
first visit to me, colonel Wardle and major Dodd beg- 
ged him to accept a bill for £500, and as secunty 
they would each give him their bill for £250. Having 
agreed to their request, he was desired to call upoi 
me immediately, and take my acceptance for thesam- 
sum, which they said I was prepared to give, as 
have before observed. 

On mr. Stokes asking what was become of my at 
ceptance and the receipt , mr. Illingworth said he couU 
not tell /—(pray reader mark this !) bu he behevec- 
he might have thdm in some of his drazvers; — (i 



( 60 ) 

tradesman not know where to find a .£500 bill — very 
good mr. Ulingworth!) He, however, never consider- 
ed them as worth any thing, (certainly not) and there- 
fore, had not taken any care of them. Mr. Stokes 
then asked him, if the bill had been presented for 
payment? on which mr. Ulingworth very truly and 
honestly said, certainly not ! — he never considered it 
as of any value, having only looked to the bil-s of co- 
lonel VVardle and major Dodd as his security 3 
(no doubt of that) : he then continued to observe, 
that he was much surprised and alarmed, when the 
investigation commenced, at seeing the names of co- 
lonel VVardle and mrs. C'arke, in the newspapers, be- 
ing fearful, that accident might lead to the disco- 
very of his name; apprehensions of which, induced 
him to speak to major Dodd and colonel Wardle, 
who assured him it was of the utmost impart ance, that 
his name *^w/^ not appear. Mr. Stokes now request- 
ed mr. Ulingworth to look for the bill and receipt, 
which he promised to do, and give an answer upon the 
subject on the following day : accordingly on that 
day, he informed my solicitor, that he recollected 
(having in the interval, / suppose, seen either the co- 
lonel or the major) he had giv^in them to major 
Dodd. Now the reader will begin to see this wine- 
merchant, of Pall-mall, in a new character — not as 
mr. .Ulingworth, a man of honor and respectability — 
but mr. Ulingworth, the tool of a political party under 

HIGH INFLUENCE ! 

To say that he had forgotten what had become of 
a five hundred pounds bill, in the course of a few 
months; setting aside the circumstances under 'which 
it was given, was, I think, making too large a demand 
upon human credulity! — But as mr. Ulingworth 
could not have any better answer to give upon an in- 
famous act, mr. Stokes received it as a falsehood de- 
served to be received, ami came away. 

In the course of my instructions to mr. Stokes, the 
boxd of indemnity/, or rather the bill of bale, was 



( 61 ) 

mentioned, which induced him to call again upon nw\ 
Illingworth, in order to hear what he would say with 
respect to that instrument of terror, which was hang- 
ing in awful suspense over my head !— Mr. II ling- 
worth acknowledged major Dodd's delivery of the 
bill of sale into his possession, but observed, that he 
could not tell what had become of it — another false- 
hood which his political friends had induced him to 
assert for their safety ! After the trial of Wright's 
action, July 1, 1S09, mr. Stokes again waited upon 
the wine-merchant, whom he found closeted with colo- 
nel Wardle, to discover, if possible, the fate of the 
bill of sale, which their xillainy might induce them, 
at any time, to put in execution against my furniture. 
Mr. Illinguorth left Wardle to receive mr. Stokes 
in another room, and said, in answer to his question, 

that HE HAD PROMISED NOT TO MENTION ANY 

thing about the bill of sale; it was there- 
fore, ot NO USE QUESTIONING him upon the 
subject!!! that he had already incurred the dis- 
pleasure of colonel Wardle and major Dodd, ior 
having made it the subject of any remark or con- 
versation ! 

The fects of this statement constitute a part of my 
brief to counsel, and can be supported by the oath of 
mr. Stokes, I thereiore think, that any further com- 
ments upon my solicitor's interview with mr. Ming- 
worth, will be unnecessary, as these facts must at once 
show how completely he has been made the tool of un- 
principled men, who suborned him to maintain false- 
hood before the grand jury, and in the following affi- 
davit, read in the court of king's bench, and also, in 
his personal evidence on my trial for conspiracy : — 

The affidavit of Richard Stonchewcr lllmgwortlu 

" Pjchard Stone-hewer Illinguorth, :i Pall- 
mall, in the county ot Middlesex, wine- nn< h nt, 
ittaketh oath and saith, that in or aoout the latter end 

F 



( 62 ) 

of the month of December last, this deponent was 
applied to by major Dodd, who dealt with this depo- 
nent as a wine-merchant, to give his acceptance to 
the plaintiff for £500, on account of mrs. Clarke, 
and to take her note for the same sum, which major 
Dodd assured this deponent, mrs. Clarke would be 
able to pay when it became due. And this deponent 
further saith, that he was, before this time, unac- 
quainted with the defendant,' never having seen him but 
once; and that major Dodd proposed, as a guarantee 
to this deponent, to give his acceptance to the depo- 
nent, for £250, and the defendant's acceptance for 
£250; both which last-mentioned acceptances, were 
to become due before the acceptance to be given by 
this deponent to the plaintiff, but after the note to 
be given by mis. Clarke, should fall due; and this de- 
ponent further saith, that having agreed to comply 
with major Dodd's request, he this deponent, went to 
mrs. Clarke and told her that he came there by the 
desire of the said major Dodd, and, that if she would 
give her note for £500, he, this deponent, would ac- 
cept the plaintiff's bill for that sum. And this depo- 
nent further saith, that mrs. Clark did give this depo- 
nent her note, dated the 27th of December last, for 

,£500, PAYABLE THREE MONTHS AFTER THE 

date thereof, but which note was never honored; 
and that he, this deponent, thereupon accepted the 
plaintiff's bill for the said sum of £500. And this 
deponent further saith, that at the time of this depo- 
ponent's calling upon the plaintiff to give his accept- 
ance for £500, he knew nothing of any dealings be- 
tween plaintiff and defendant, nor had he ever heard 
of any investigation about to be instituted by the said 
defendant, in the house of commons; nor did the de- 
fendant, or the said major Dodd, express any wish 

that THEIR NAMES SHOULD BE KEPT SECRET. 

And this deponent further saith, that at the time he 
called upon the said plaintiff, no conversation 
passed between the said plaintiff and this be- 



( 63 ) 

P0NENT, RESPECTING the Said DEFENDANT Or 

major Dodd, nor was either of their names 
mentioned or referred to in conversation by 
this deponent, or the said plaintiff ; for this depo- 
nent further saith, he was but a few minutes with the 
said plaintiff, and MERELY mentioned to him 

that HE CAME TO GIVE HLS ACCEPTANCE FOR 

£500, on account of mrs. Clarke. And this 
deponent further saith, that when he called upon 
MRS. Clarke, he acquainted her that he came there 
at the desire of major Dodd, and that upon her giv- 
ing this defendant her note for <£500, he, this depo- 
nent wouid call, as he afterwards did do, and give the 
plaintiff his acceptance for £500. And the deponent 
further saith, that nothing ever passed between 
this deponent, and major Dodd, and MRS. 
Clarke, and the plaintiff, or any or either 
• of them, from whence this deponent was induced 
to believe, or given to understand, that the said de- 

• fendant had ordered, or was indebted, or in any 
manner responsible to the said plaintiff, for the 
furniture sent in by him to the said house at West- 
borne place. And deponent further saith, that he 
was subpoenaed by the said plaintiff on the trial of the 
said cause, but was not called, or examined ; but 
this deponent well understood that the said 

DEFENDANT was ANXIOUS THAT HE SHOULD 
BE EXAMINED ON HIS BEHALF." 

The reader will perceive that the preceding re- 
marks afford an ample illustration of this affidavit, 
which, when coupled with rar. Ulingworth's letter, 
and the other documents and facts of the work, will, 
I hope, render it unnecessary for me to minutely ana- 
lyse the different paragraphs of the above declara- 
tion ; the whole truth of which, mr. IUingtvorth 
mustered up sufficient courage to call his 
god to witness ! ! ! 



( 6* ) 

it may not, however, be improper to trouble the 
reader with a remark upon a passage or two ot this af- 
fidavit. Shakspeare, that great observer of the hu- 
man character, says, when speaking of the workings 
of a guilty mind u that murder will out" and so it 
appears in the above document, for even the ingenui- 
ty of Mr. Ellis has not been able to shield the guilt 
of his client's witness, as may be seen, by first making 
him say, that nothing ever passed between this depo- 
nent major Dodd and mrs, Clarke, and the plaintiff,. 
or any or either of them/ 5 &c. &c. and then it ap- 
pears from the concluding paragraph that Illingworthr 
well recollected that the colonel teas very anxious that 
lie should be examined. Here we see colonel Wardle 
unbosom his secrets to a man, and a stranger, as li- 
lingworth would make one believe! of whom, he 
ought to have known nothing, when in the delicate 
capacity of a witness. 

It must be recollected that rar. Iliingworth is 
speaking from his own personal knowledge and not 
from report ; consequently, it is easy to account for 
his sudden knowledge of the colonel's palpitating nerve 
upon that momentous occasion. 

Mr. Ellis may be a very cunning man, but I do not 
think that he will ever immortalize himself by the lo- 
gic of his affidavits, or the success of his prosecutions, 
particularly when 1 consider, that, to show colonel 
Wardle's love of the liberty of the subject, and 
the freedom of the press, he brought, under the 
patriot's instructions, an action against mr. Gillet, 
for the loss of popularity*, which his client pre- 

* I am informed that colonel Wardle laid his damages at 
c£7t000, for the loss of his popularity, a kind of nimbus, or 
floating vapor, which even honorable political men get and lose. 
every session of parliament, as circumstances and caprice operate 
upon the public mind ! — Shakspeare, speaking of glory, built ott 
the multitude calls it— 

" An habitation, giddy and unsure, 
Has he that build^th on the vulgar hearty 
Oh ! thou fond Man*." 



K o5 ) 

tended to have sustained through the pamphlet of the 
" liiial Impostors ;" and to prevent further exposure, 
was glad to withdraw the record J — A second action 
against Beli and Decamp, for a libel in their paper, 
and withdrew the record ! ! — A third action against 
the " Morning Post/* for an injury done to his po- 
pularity ! ! ! and withdrew the record : — A fourth 
action, against mr. Manners, the editor of " The Sati- 
rist," for the loss of his popularity ! ! ! f — and with- 
drew the record ; besides indicting me and the 
Wrights for a conspiracy ; and alter subpoenaing no 
less than ninety-four xvitnesses, many of whom, t heard^ 
had been under the care and instruction of very able 
masters in the art and mystery of giving good evi- 
dence ! — he read the record of his client's disgrace, in 
my acquital. If mr. Ellis should be as fortunate in 
his suit against the speaker of the house of commons, 
as he has hitherto been for colonel VVardle*, he will 
become the greatest Solicitor in England — for bring- 
ing actions, and making nothing of them ! 

That noble zeal ot patriotism which disdains au- 
thority, and tramples on laws for the ambitious and 
sinister motives of colonel Wardle, has induced him 
to accuse government, in his late speech at the West- 
minster meeting, Palace Yard, of having endeavored 
to check public discussion, while he has expended in 
law several thousand pounds to stop the freedom of 
discussion with respect to the purity of his political 
conduct ! — A fig then for the patriotism of that man 
who dreads the investigation of his private, or pub- 
lic actions — and who, under the mask of freedom, 
would^we and imprison the British subject, whose li- 
berty and rights he affects to maintain! But to return 
more immediately to the subject: — If the reader will 
do me the favor to refer to the trial of Wright's ac- 



* Through the influence oi" colonel Wardle, he bn? hecc: 
Francis Burden's solicitor. 

F 2 



( 66 ) 

t-ion, July 1, 1809, be will be able to see a little fur- 
t her into 'he real character ol this would be patriot, 
from the delence mi. Serjeant Best made, under the 
instructions of his amiable client. The learned Ser- 
jeant following the letter and spirit oi his brief, lard- 
ed his long and ingenious speech with every harsh and 
cruet epithet, of which the english language is capa* 
blej in order to color me to the Jury, as a person of 
the most abandoned and worthless principles ; — the ve- 
ry woman who raised colonel Wardle from insignifi- 
cant obscurity to the summit of popular admiration ! 
— the very woman whom, he but a short time before, 
stood up to defend and justify, in the british senate, 
and paid INJ'Cullum and other of his puffersc to sup- 
port her character and conduct in the newspapers, 
and a variety of other public journals ! while she was 
suffering under every kind ot misrepresentation and 
calumny 1 from having lent herself to his political and 
ambitious views ! But when she would not lend herself 
to any further plans* (colonel Wardle will understand 
this, if the reader should not.) I repeat, when she 
would not lend herself to other projects to keep the 
public mind in a state of continued ferment, for the 
accomplishment of— 



A blank which I must entreat the reader to fill up 
—then the curtain dropped on all her prospects r which 
the colonel's fair promises held out to her, and she in- 
stantly became, in his estimation, the very worst of 
ivo?nen; while he, and his tribe of literary assailants, 
began to throw, in great profusion, that very gall over 



* I beg to be understood, that I d > not mean to connect the 
duke of Kent with this, or any thing beyond the investigation. 
Colonel Wardle's other plans grew out of the success attendant 
en his first great- measure-," 



( ft ) 

Iter, with which they had a little before, been bespat- 
tering others in her defence ! 

The reader will be soon satisfied, how misled mr. 
Corfield and Serjeant Best were, by the colonel, with 
respect to Ulingworth-'s bill, when I give the following 
extract from the trial. A juryman interrupted the 
learned Serjeant's abusive speech in this manner : — 

A Juryman — " Will you inform me whose name, 
if any, is on the bill I 

Mr. Park, " We cannot say. We have not the 

BILL ; WE NEVER SAW IT. 

Lord Eilenborough. — " We must do as well as we 
can. This deficiency of evidence we cannot account 
for; ail that we have to do, is to decide upon such 
evidence as the parties please to lay before us. 

Mr. Serjeant Best. — " it is very true, gentlemen, 
we have never seen this bill. A great deal of talk has 
occurredabout it; but I believe u never existed* 
I hope, therefore, you have been too long in that 
box to be imposed upon by the trick ©r tricks of 
flfty such witnesses as you have heard this day. 
The payment of Jive hundred pounds bill, alledged 
to have been handed by colonel Wardle to mr. Wright, 
we utterly deny, and with which we affirm, 

WE HAD NOTHING TO DO." 

Before 1 remark on this extract,- let us see how far 
it accords with an extract from the affidavit of colo- 
nel Wardle and major Dodd. 

First, the reader will perceive, that the existence 
of a bill is positively denied by his own counsel, Ser- 
jeant Best and mr. Park — and then, after a few months 
consideration, and legal advice,, colonel Wardle and 
the major, find it political to swear in the following 
manner: — pray, reader, attend, to the declaration of 
these good men ! — 

Deponents say — "That deponent, G. L. Wardle, 
related to deponent, Thomas Dodd, what is herein, 
before stated to have gassed between the other defend- 



( 68 ) 

&nt G. L. Wardle, and the said James Glennie, and 
Mary Ann Clarke, on the substance and affidavit 
thereof, and that the deponent, G. L. Wardle, con- 
sulted with deponent, Thomas Dodd, and prevai ed 
upon said Thomas Dodd, contrary to his better judg- 
ment to assist in accommodating the said Mary Anne 
Clarke, with the loan ot the said £500. 

Say — "That they went together to mr. TUingworth, 
of Pall Mall> the wine-merchant ol the said Thomas 
Dodd, whom deponent, G. L. Wardle, had seen but 
once before, and was scarcely known to, and the said 
1 nomas Dodd, desired mr. Illtngworth to assist the 
said Mary Anne Clarke, by taking her note, 
and by giving his acceptance for £500 to the piain- 
tiff, who was distressing the said Mary Anne Clarke 
for money; and defendant, Thomas Dodd, assured 
said mr. Illingworth, that he should be no los^r, for 
that he, the said Thomas Dodd, and the said G. L. 
Wardle, would give the said mr. Illingworth, secu- 
rity for the amount to be paid, in case the said Ma- 
ry Anne Clarke should not take up the note," &c. 
&c. 

On reference to page 52 the reader will see the bill 
and receipt, which my counsel had in their possession 
that very moment, but I suppose, for some legal rea- 
son, did not see the necessity of producing them. 
"When mr. Illingworth was examined before the grand 
jury, J am given to understand, that he told them he 
had lost the bill; but the fact is, that it was never 
given to him, in consequence of his not having been 
able to take it up in the regular way when due. The 
reader will be pleased to recollect, at first, he only 
paid £36'9 8 6, as may be seen by reference to his 
letter*, and when the remainder of the money was 
sent to mr. Wright, I believe, accident prevented his 

' * • See page 57, 



( 69 > 

receiving this document, which has since turned out 
so toriunate to my cause. 

I trust, that alter this clear illustration of facts, all 
mr. Serjeant Best's abuse of me, will have but little 
weight with the reader of that trial. 1 beg to be un- 
derstood, that I do not mean to make any unhand- 
some reflection upon the learned counsel, either in a 
private or professional point of light, as 1 know he was 
governed by the instructions of his brief, and under an 
impression that it contained nothing but truth, he stood 
up to discharge his duty to his client. But one thing 
I must be allowed to communicate to the public,, 
which is, that it was not many hours after the triaL 
before he was convinced that the colonel had grossly 
deceived his attorney, mr. Corrleld, and himself; and 
I am informed, that he made use of this very strong 
remark — " the man (meaning colonel Wardle) is both 
a fool and a rogue I" 

If this book should get into the hands of the gen- 
tlemen who were jurors upon that trial (as I have no 
doubt but it will) they must feel highly delighted 
with the verdict they gave on that occassion, as it will 
not only be a very flattering compliment to their un- 
derstanding and duty, but show, that twelve english* 
men have too much sense to be biased by an unmanly 
attack upon a woman's character and feelings — even 
though it is issued from the gentlemanly lips of the 
Best counsel in the court of common pleas. 

It is said that a drowning man will catch at a straw 
— and as colonel Wardle was driven to a variety of 
expedients to conceal his bill to Wright, he at one 
time caught at a straw-like pretence of his having giv- 
en it, to repay my upholsterer a sum of money, which 
he had been obliged to pay some time before, in con- 
sequence of having bailed me in an action, defended 
by an attorney, of Soho-square, through whose neg~ 
led, Wright had become answerable. It is only ne^ 
cessary here for me to observe, that this sumoj moneu^ 



( 70 ) 

with other demands, which mr. Wright settled, I re- 
paid to him just after 1 left Gloucester place. 

I informed the reader a short time back, that mr. 
Illfngworth's miscellaneous observations should not 
escape notice, which I must confess, will be an act of 
civility he scarcely deserves; but as I would not wish 
to take my leave of him abruptly, I will proceed with 
the conversation he had with me as a reward for his 
Mnd services to colonel Wardle. 

This communicative tradesman resumed his re- 
marks on his friend the duke of Kent, by informing 
me, that he furnished the garrison of Gibraltar with 
wine, but his royal highness's personal consumption 
of the bachanalian fluid was not worth mentioning, 
it being less than that of almost any other man ; ma- 
jor Dodd, however, made up the deficiency, and re- 
velled in all the delights which the cellar of a prince 
can so amply afford. I have understood from the 
major that the duke of Kent is of very temperate hab- 
its, and instead of passing his time over the bottle, 
he consumes the midnight hour in reflection, and rises 
by day-light, to write long letters on trifles, which 
Dodd said no one would read, and on making out his 
pepper and Salt account. I wish his attention to the 
latter article, had put him in mind of the emblem of 
purity, of which Pythagoras speaks, and then 1 should 
riot have had the honor of giving this temperate 
prince a niche in my work ! 

Some persons are so vain, that they can scarcely 
seat themselves in your presence, before they infornv 
you that they are people of consequence, and then be- 
gin to expatiate upon all the great qualities of their 
rich relations. Of this class of men, mr. lllingwoith 
appears to be one ; he had not been with me ten 
minutes, and got my negative to the favor he asked of 
me, before he observed, that he was related by mar- 
riage, to a bishop* who was of high blood! After be- 
stowing much eulogium upon the virtues of this great 
divine, he should riot have forgotten to have told me, 



( 71 ) 

by way of contrasting his family portraits, that his 
wife's brother was a hackney coachman, who perhaps 
may have occasionally the honor to drive the bishop 
to church. Mr. lllingworth informed me, that he 
was upon intimate terms with his venerable relative, 
who, no doubt, has his wines from Pall-mall, and in- 
vites him to dinner, that lie may send the best article 
for his own consumption ! 

If the good divine should see this book, and think 
as the generality of my readers, I trust, will think, 
that mr. lllingworth has been a back-slider, he will 
prepare against his next visit, a wholesome homily 
from the words of this great commandment — 

" Thou sbalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor," &c. 

Perhaps I am wrong in hinting a lecture to a bishop, 
who may never preach ; but if that should be the case, 
he is always encircled by those Who are looking up 
to him for a better living and less spiritual labor, and 
who would give a very animated discourse upon a 
subject, in which mr. lllingworth might feel tremu- 
lously alive, at having been the unhappy cause of giv- 
ing the clergy any trouble beyond drinking his wine ' — 
If mr. lllingworth should not be able to stand under 
the effect of the discourse, he must lean against the 
bishop, who being the pillar of the church, is very 
able to Bear a load of sin ! 

end of vol, i; 



THE 



RIVAL PRINCES, 

#(\ fyc. SfC. 



J[ HERE is something so interesting in the con- 
duct of colonel Wardle, that I cannot but continue to 
lead the reader along the'pdih by which he so honorably 
reached the temple, where fame, was anxiously wait- 
ing to deck his virtuous head with the leaf of the flat- 
tering laurel. If I could descant with that warmth 
of feeling, and energy of expression, which distin- 
guished the zeal of the colonel and his colleagues in 
the cause of their royal patron, I fear it might be con- 
sidered a caricature of the subject, instead of that 
faithful portrait which I professed to give in the com- 
mencement of this work. 

Having pledged myself to a veritable statement of 
facts, and fearing my feeble pen would not be ade- 
quate to a masterly coloring of that extravagant re- 
gard which these persons evinced for their royal friend, 
the reader must be satisfied with my imperfect illus- 
tration of their individual and collective movements 
in the great cause in which they were engaged. 

If the following documents are not instances of the 
xeal of which 1 speak, then colonel Wardle is an an- 
gel — perhaps the reader may think him so — but of 
darkness ! By the following documents, it will be 
seen, that he was in the habit of dictating to me my 
line of proceeding, and of giving me heads for a sub- 
ject, which shews the influence he had over my evi- 
dence : 



( 73 ) 

Mr. Adam, 

" The friend professed, of both brothers, 
has astonished his patrons by his liberality, at the ex- 
pence of the public, towards his poor friends in Scot- 
land, for whom he created as many new places and 
establishments as would fill a red book of the size it 
used to be half a century ago." 
Five o'clock. 

This expressly tells me in what manner I must 
proceed. 

" Home of commons, 5 o'clock, 
" Tuesday evening. 

" My dear madam, 

" Mr. Perceval says, that he has a question 
or two to put to you, but that he will not keep you 
many minutes; he wishes you to come down about 
lime o'clock to-night. Send him a note, when you 
come, to say you are at the house in compliance with 
His desire., 1 send you doctor O'Meara's letter, en- 
closed, so that you may present it yourself to the 
house, stating, that you forgot it last night. 1 hope 
you have ient Favorey, &c. &c. 

Yours, very much, 

Wardle." 

- To the best of my recollection, this letter, which 
puts a falsehood into my mouth with respect to my 
forgetting the letter last night, was sent to me about ; 
the 13th or 14th of February, as may be seen by re- 
ference to the minutes of the house of commons, as 
published by mr. Chappie, Pall-mall.- 

One morirng I requested colonel Wardle to ac- 
company me to mr. Wright's, with respect to my fur- 
niture, but he excused himself under the plea of ur- 
gent parliamentary business ; he, however, told me, 
to get major Dodd to go, as he had nothing to do oil 
G 



( ?+ ) 

the following day. Accordingly the major acqniescod, 
hut wishing to couple my business with enquiries ne- 
cessary to the proceedings before the house, we call- 
ed on dr. Thynne, that J might ask him some ques- 
tions, which he dictated, and then went on to Rath- 
bone place, where we were obliged to stay about half 
an hour, in consequence of the weight of the major's 
person having broken one of the springs of my car- 
riage, which, when repaired, we went on to my solici- 
tor, mr. Comrie, of Southampton-buildings, Holborn, 
who not being in town, the major spoke to his nephew, 
and endeavored to obtain my papers of him, as he 
particularly wanted a bill, sent to Birkett, the silver- 
smith, in order to see the date respecting the £500, 
paid by colonel French to me; — a circumstance of 
which I had previously informed the major, who in- 
sisted upon the delivery of my papers, which, if not 
immediately attended to, he assured mr. Comrie's 
nephew that he would send a summons from the house 
of commons, to enforce them. I have detailed this 
fact, as another instance of the zeal of this party ! 

What will the reader be pleased to denominate that 
feeling which induced colonel Wardle to draw me 
from my secluded habitation, under flattering pros- 
pects — suborn me into his own arranged measures of 
proceeding in the house of commons — instruct me to 
evade such questions as might be dangerous to his 
cause, while he had the face to make the most gross 
declarations — and afterwards had the impudence to 
stand up and reason on his own villainy ! — The read- 
er is asked to designate stock a feeling with an appro- 
priate epithet : — I must confess that i am at a loss, 
whether to let it stand under the term — zeal for his 
patron — or that horrid depravity of mind, for which, 
there is not in the english language, a phrase suffici- 
ent \y forcible. 

There would be no end of citing proofs of this de- 
clav::ti n, from the minutes of evidence before the 
house Qt commons, it I telt so disposed, but as such. 



( 75 ) 

information is within the possible acquisition of ever) 
one, and as it is in tact pretty generally known, I do 
not feel inclined to entertain my reader with unneces- 
sary long extracts from that voluminous work. If 
the reader will keep in mind, that the whole proceed- 
ing in the house was under his immediate knowledge 
and direction, and that he took every private and pub- 
lic means to blow the coal, in order to consume the ob- 
ject of his attack : — that he, major Dodd, or mr. 
Glennie, were always going to and from me, to the 
house of commons, though he as a gentleman, had 
the modesty to deny or acknowledge it, as best suited 
the expediency of the moment : — that he argued up- 
on the credibility of circumstances formed by himself, 
and after a long interval, and having slept repeatedly 
on his proceedings, he again stood up in the house on 
the 8th of March, to deliver a cool, mild and philan- 
thropic speech, on the consideration of the report of 
the committee. 

It the reader will, I say, keep in mind all these 
circumstances, and then compare the following part 
of his oration, I do flatter myself that there can be 
but one opinion of his honor and veracity ; and 
that opinion is, that colonel Wardle is, a black sheep ! 
— The colonel stated to the house as follows— 

" My leading object from the opening of this im- 
portant business to the present moment, has been to 
obtain a fair and cool investigation of the charges I 
thought it my duty to bring forward against his royal 
highness the commander in chief. I have endeavored 
to avoid every thing likely to cause irritation in the 
progress of the inquiry, and in that course I shall most 
rigidly persevere, however / may feel hurt that motives 
highly injurious to my character, and not more inj uri- 
nous than false, have been indirectly attributed to 
me,* as the ground of my proceedings ; and though I 

J* His services to the dike of Kent-— A guilty conscience, b 
said, to want no accuser. 



( 76 ) 

may ako have thought that in the early stage of tlVte 
enquiry, I was harshly treated, still, sir, on these 
points I shall make no comment, but at once proceed 
to a more pleasant task — that of offering my thanks 
where I feel them due." 

Colonel Wardle having heard me mention mr. 
Corri, the music-master, as being acquainted with a 
money transaction, between me and captain Sandon, 
he begged that I would ask him to my house, and on 
being apprized of his Visit, he, or the major, would 
drop in, as if by accident, in order to make him re- 
peat kis conversation with captain Sandon. Mr. Cor- 
ri came to Westborne Place on the 6th of January, 
when I immediately sent to apprize colonel Wardle 
of it, who was dining on that day with major Dodd, 
Hi Sloane-street. The colonel wrote* back, request- 
ing me to keep the jockey till he and Dodd came. 
In about half an hour they did me the honor of a 
visit, and remained till mr. Corri went away. As 
the colonel was the principal object of concealment, 
I passed him off as mr. W. Mellish, the member for 
Middlesex. 

On reference to the minutes, it may be seen, that 
I only made use of him under the direction of colo- 
nel Wardle, and that I brought on the conversation 
be repeated at the bar of the house, and which te 
as follows : 

Mr. Dominico Corri, examined.f 

" You have stated, that you have seen mrs. Clarke 
iwice since the 1st of January, on the 6th and 1 5 1 h ^ 
was there any conversation at either of those meet- 

" * Nut thinking these kind of notes of any moment at that time*, 
tfee above was not preserved. 

f See page 61 of the Minutes. 



( 77 ) 

ings, when you sopped each time, respecting the tran- 
saction to which this related? 

" Yes, I was a little surprised, because soon after 
dinner she sent for the twelfth cake, they sent for a 
compliment to some gentlemen, and two gentlemen 
came in the evening ; and as soon as they came, the 
conversation of this affair of mr. Sandon, was intro- 
duced, and I repeated every word then, just as 1 have 
here; that capt. Sandon told me she had received the 
^500, and Mr. Cockayne had received the <£200, 
and they, laughing at me, said % what a fool I had 
been : and this was the topic of the conversation of 
the whole night." 

It may occur to the recollection of the reader, that 
mr. Corri was asked in the house, whether he then 
saw the gentleman he called mr. iMellish, and he re* 
plied, that he did not, but that when mr. Mellish 
stood up for his observation, he informed the house, 
that he was not the gentleman whom he had seen at 
Yv'estbome Piace. After the cxami nation of Corri 
upon this point, col. Waidle told me that he icasjmich 
alarmed at that time, lest the witness shoulu have 
disctrered him when looking round the house; and 
to avoid which, he sat doivn behind sei era! members 
who were standing! 

When major Dodd was first introduced to me by 
colonel Wardle, 1 was doubtful of his professions of 
sincerity, as it may be naturally enough supposed I 
should be, of the mere word of a stranger, and there- 
fore informed him, that though he was secretary to 
the duke of Kent, I should like to know something 
more of his character from other quarters, if he 
would mention the names of any persons to whom 
he was well known; and that if I were acquainted 
with any of them, or their connections, I would, in 
a circuitous way satisfy my mind with respect to his 
being a man of honor. t he major then repeated 
the names of a number of his friends, among whom 
was mr. Donovan, of Charles- street, St. James's 
G 2 



( 78 ) 

square, and on my saying that I was acquainted with 
him, he instantly proposed to accompany me to his 
door, which he did, while I had an interview with him. 
I have introduced this circumstance to shew how 
major Dodd afterwards made use of my knowledge 
of mr. Donovan, for the accomplishment of his own 
views; and after he and Wardle had got what they 
wanted with respect to him, the colonel immediately 
introduced his name to the notice of the parliament. 
Major Dodd thought, during the examination of Do- 
novan, that a letter might be written by me, to him, 
that would have great xoeight with the house, and the 
receipt of which Donovan could not deny if he were 
so disposed, when pushed home upon the subject by 
colonel Wardle, who was acquainted with the triek ; 
he therefore, dictated the following letter, which I 
sent to Donovan, who produced it to the house: 

;i Dear Sir, 

" I am much mortified in seeing in this day's 
paper, the free use of your name, and mine, in the 
debate of last night; I, however, took an opportu- 
nity of seeing Mr. Wardle on the subject, and I find 
he is by no means so ill disposed as his speech seem- 
ed to evince, but he tells me, that as I have com- 
mitted myself and my papers; he is determined to 
make every possible use of them, that to him seems 
proper. 1 must be candid and tell you, that in order 
to facilitate some negociation, I had given him a few 
of your letters. In one you speak of the Queen in 
answer to the two Deaneries; as to myself, I must of 
course speak the truth, as I shall be put upon oath. 
Let me persuade you, if called on, to keep truth, as I 
ara convinced you will, but I mean the whole truth 
as to what has passed formerly between yourself and 
,me. I have a thousand thanks for your being so 
quiet upon the c€l30, you shall have it, the moment 
my mother comes from* Bath : If ear if you are bach 



( 79 ) 

ward, Wardle will expose the whole of the letters he 
has to the house. 

" Your's, truly, 

« M. A. Clarke. 

" Satin dor/ evening, July 28th, I8O9. 

" In order to relieve your mind, I send my servant, 
though late." 

The next letter the reader is about to peruse, I did 
not send to mr. Donovan under any other direction 
than that of my own will; but as some little circum- 
stances arose from its existence that makes another 
link to that lung chain of facts, which shew that Co- 
lonel Wardle is a man in whom there is no truth nor 
hunor, I have thought right to give it a place here; 



" Wednesday Morning, 
Feb. 1, 1809. 



" Dear sir, 



" I yesterday saw mr. Wardle ; he had a 
letter yesterday from your friend Glass, begging him 
not to take any business -in hand where his name is 
mentioned, and he asks for you also. He was tutor 
to Wardle — now Wardle assures me by every thing 
honorable, that if you speak candidly and fairly to 
the fact of Tonyn's, he will ask nothing more ; and 
if he has been at all intemperate with your name, he 
will do it every justice. Take my advice and do it — 
it cannot injure you.* I understand, your friend 
French, some months ago, put a friend of his in pos- 
session of Tonyn's business ; and yesterday a man of 
the name of Finnerty, gave him a case, which he says, 
he had from you, of a captain Trotter, and of course, 
you will not mention my telling yeu this. I wish 



( 80 ) 

from my soul, Mr. Wardle had taken it up less pas- 
sionately, he might have done more good. Why do 
not you send me a line? I daresay, Claveringis hug- 
ging himself as he did not send the remainder. 

Your's, &c. 

M. A. C." 

The reader will perceive that Mr. Finnerty is men- 
tioned in this letter. Col. Wardle denied, in the 
house of commons, his having any intimacy with him, 
and 1 believe only acknowledges to have spoken to him 
once in the lobby ! 

After what the reader has already heard, it will 
not appear extraordinary to find that the colonel could 
coolly face six hundred representatives oi the nation, 
in the British senate, and insult them by a gross false- 
hood ! The fact is, that Mr. Finnerty and the colonel 
have been inseperable ever since the making up of 
major Hogan's pamphlet, and mrs. Wardle's visit in 
the barouche to the major, at Frank's hotel, Lower 
Brook-street, as 1 before observed, which colonel 
Wardle had assured me, his wi;e had most excellent ly 
managed under his directions! ! ! but acknowledging 
at the same time, that he had oeen guilty of a great 
oversight in having sent the servants in his own livery ! 
1 believe the livery described by Mr. Finnerty, as ed- 
itor of major Hogan's pamplet, corresponded exactly 
with the clothes worn by the colonel's servants— 
which was white turned up with scarlet ! 

But to return more immediately to the above let- 
ter, which when delivered to the house by Mr. Don- 
ovan, threw the colonel into great trepidation and a- 
larm, as he had before denied knowing any thing of Mr. 
Finnerty ; and when he came to me the next morning, 
at nine o'clock, he expressed his anger that 1 was so 
indiscreet as to have mentioned Mr. Finnerty in a let- 
ter to Donovan, or any other person. He told mc I 



( Si ) 

had nearly been the ruin of him, after the broad dec- 
laration he had made to the house, oi not being ac~ 
qua in ted with such a person. 

I observed, if he were ashamed of Mr. Finnerty, 
why did he associate with him ; — to which he replied, 
that he was very useful in that kind of business ; 
then laughed — and turned the conversation to some- 
thing else. 

It may appear a little strange that I have not as- 
signed some motive for having written a letter, in 
which I committed one of my patrons, but when I de- 
velope the cause, I am inclined to think I shall not 
incur the censure of my reader. The colonel had 
exposed Mr. Donovan, without my knowledge or ap- 
probation, and deceived me with respect to the young 
officers letters ; I therefore, thought that I would just 
give him and his colleagues & gentle hint, that they 
were all at my mercy ; and if they again deceived me 
as to the uie of toy information, I would ruin them — » 
which I am sorry now I did not accomplish ! 

As Colonel Wardle is greatly indebted to his wife 
for her cool and able assistance, during the investiga- 
tion, it would not be fair of me to pass her merits o- 
ver in brief remark, and as part of her services has 
just come under my notice, I may not have a better 
opportunity to commemorate the abilities of a Pat- 
riotic Wife ! 

History having regarded in language of descriptive 
energy, the exertions and influence of those wo- 
men who have distinguished themselves in great politic 
cal convulsions, I trust I may feel something like a 
strong plea m favor of my feeble attempt to describe 
mrs. Wardle's political character, in chastity of pen- 
cil, and sober coloring. 

It is said, that it is necessary for one of a family to 
have brains, otherwise they will not become distin- 
guished for any thing but folly ! This is precisely the 
case with colonel Wardle, who, without his wife's a- 
bilities, would never have made a politician 1 Previ- 



( «2 ) 

ous to the investigation, she organized all the plans 
upon which her husband was to act, and in order to 
pick up information kept an open house, where all des- 
criptions of persons assembled that could be useful to 
her husband. One of her schemes was, to send to all 
the prisons, particularly the King's Bench and the 
Fleet, where she supposed many persons might be 
found, who would, for fine promises and a little 
money, communicate secrets relating to such high per- 
sons, whom incarcerated poverty might at one time 
have known! — among such a variety of individuals, 
whom misfortunes and indescretion, daily introduce 
to a goal, many may be found, who. one day or other, 
have been in the confidence of men of rank ; and as 
poverty and neglect strangely revolutionize the human 
mind, and induce a man, once possessed of pride and 
honor, to lend himself under expectations of reward, 
to acts, at which he would in the days of his prosperi- 
ty, have shuddered ! — It is therefore, not difficult to 
account for the quantity of biographical anecdote 
which is occasionally to be got through the means that 
was resorted to by rars. Wardie, to serve the cause of 
her husband. 

In this way she traced people and circumstances, 
which when brought together and arranged, made a 
something for colonel Wardle's labors, and though she 
most likely got every thing m an exaggerated gar- 
ment, )et still it was a something, which when stript 
of its prison dress, and assuming a more gaudy ap- 
parel, the colonel had acquired an opportunity of 
making the most of. In thi* way mrs. Wardle's dwel- 
ling became a repository for a mixture of all kinds of 
truth and falsehood, which misery, malice, and party 
furnr, could rake together for M'Cullum, the fore- 
man of these political scavengers, who, depositing his 
load at the feet of his mistress, she began to sort and 
separate the rubbish for its different intended purposes. 

It is incredible to stste the number of idle people 
who used tokaock at my door, during the iavestiga- 



( 93 ) 

tion, with what they called curious anecdotes of great 
men ! and as an excuse for doing so, said, they had 
done business for mrs. Wardle. Of these unpleasant 
visits I complained to the colonel, who was angry at 
my conduct, but desired that they might in future, be 
sent to his house, which mandate my servants accor- 
dingly obeyed. 

So enthusiastic was the lady in the cause, that she 
was employed night and day for her dear husband, 
and to her credit be it spoken, that impediments only- 
appeared to increase her energies, and whet her appe- 
tite to forward his prosperity. I have been inform- 
ed, that his house, at that time, appeared like the 
duelling of a member, during an election, who is obli- 
ged to feed a succession of hungry constituents, that 
after many professions of independence andliberty, gen- 
erally give their votes where they find the best ta- 
ble! 

Another scheme by which colonel Wardie, under 
the direction uf his wife, endeavored to acquire injur- 
.mat ion, was, that of finding out, and getting acquaint- 
td with some of the minor clerks in the different pub- 
lic offices, and those of a higher class, if circumstan- 
ces afforded an opportunity ; from these individuals 
the colonel possessed himself of much garbled and w#- 
certain matter, out of which, he at last set up a prin- 
ciple, of saving the nation eleven millions a year ! 

In case it should be said that I am speaking too 
generally in making such a charge, I will give one or 
two individual instances of his having meanly at- 
tempted to suborn a gentleman in the treasury, to afford 
iim the secrets of his office, for his own political use. 

Colonel Wardle became acquainted with a physi- 
cian, at my house, by the name of Metcalfe, of whera. 
I shall shortly have an occasion to speak. This worthy 
inan has a respectable relative, by the name oiWent- 
worth Rigg> who holds a situation in the treasury, of 
abwut «£300 a year; and, as it was the business of the 
colonel to pry into the affairs of every person with 



( 84 ). 

whom he came in contact, I shall not surprise the 
reader by informimghim, thathe soon found out eve- 
ry particular, relative to the nephew of the worthy 
doctor; through whom, the colonel tried to become ac- 
quainted with mr. Higg. When the colonel's ac- 
quaintance grew into a kind of confidential intimacy, 
.by promises of friendship and esteem for dr. Met- 
calfe, he hud the villainy to ask him, to solicit mr. 
Rigg, to copy from the books of his office, the 

WHOLE OF THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HALF- 
PAY fund, in return for which act of civility, he as- 
sured the Doctor, that mr. R. should have a situa- 
tion OF DOUBLE THE VALUE, AS SOON AS HIS 
FRIEND, THE DUKE OF KEN T, CAME INTO POW- 
ER ! ! ! 

I am sure I need not inform the reader what was 
the answer and feeling of Dr. Metcalf, as a respec- 
table and hon t est man; but the colonel knows 
perfectly well, that the worthy physician despised him, 
for offering such an insult to his honor ; and there, 
as may be supposed, the patriot's friendship ended to- 
wards that gentleman. As the colonel and his wife 
were on the constant look-out for any body — or, any 
thing, that would afford him an opportunity of mak- 
ing a noise in the house > that he might increase his 
popularity, he discovered, through mr. Glennie, that 
• colonel Shrapnel, was angry with government, for not 
having used his shells in preference to Congreve's rock- 
ets; and like a disappointed author, expresbed his 
contempt and hatred of all those who did not happen 
to think favorably of his works. Mr. Glennie was 
then employed to bring colonel Shrapnel and Wardle 
together, which he accordingly did, that the neglect- 
ed genius might unbosom all his secrets and wrongs, 
to the great public accuser of the year 1 809 — who, as 
a monopolizing tradesman in politics, cleared the mar- 
het of every article in his. line, that he might retail it 
out himself to the best advantage !— -a principle that 



( 85 ) 

does not accord with the duties of a patriot in a com- 
mercial nation ! 

Whether there has lately been any demand for the 
kind oi articles deposited by colonel Shrapnel, in the 
store house of this political tradesman, I will not pre- 
sume to determine, but be assured, reader* that zchen 
the mar kef s up he will, like other monopolizers, ex- 
pose his old stock of tainted trash, to pall upon the 
sense of his former friends and customers, at st. Ste- 
phens ! 

There is scarcely a public office that was within 
the influence of colonel Wardle's bribery, but what 
afforded him some kind of information in proportion 
to the infidelity oi its clerks ; who, like every other 
description of people, are not always above tempta- 
tion ; and like Judas, had the same ueighty reason for 
betraying their master ! — major Dodd performed his 
part of ibis hind of service, and through the dirtiest ef- 
forts, acquired documents, &c. &c. out of mr. Green- 
wood's office, while he was hi the habit of calling 
there two or three times a week, under pretence of 
professing his, and the duke of Kent's esteem for that 
gentleman ! As another instance of the ztal of ibis 
party, I cannot forego the mention of ii»r. Gjenttie's 
anxiety to serve the duke of Kent. While writing my 
former book, he begged me to allow him ; introduce 
some improvements, as he termed them, into It ; which 
on enquiry, I found to be, a wish to m\x up ihe duke 
of Kent's grievances* with my narrative. According- 
ly he began his interpolation of matter, by the most 
fulsome eulogium on the duke's virtues, which on rea- 
ding, I instantly saw there would be an impropriety 

* As I am in possession of ail the circumstances attending ihe 
duke of Keni's conduct, while he was governor of Gibraltar, it is 
not improbable but T shall publish a curious history of his cour- 
age, military and political actions, together wi'h an enicrtaaimg 
account oi the discovery of st. Lawrence ! — If part of this note 
should an; eav to be enveloped in mystery, the dnke of Kent has 
it in his jxrwtr to give it a copious illustrate ! ! ! 

H 



C *$ ) 

in making my book the vehicle of the prince's spleen 
towards his brother, the duke of York 1 therefore, 
erased it, and told mr. Glennie, that 1 had made up 
my mind that my publication should not contain any 
subjects but those within my )wn knowledge ; and thus 
mr. Glennie was deprived of the opportunity and 
pleasure of bestowing praise on the great military 
talents and virtues of his royal friend ! 

In one of mr. Glennie'sjftYs of panegyrising his fa- 
vorite prince, he observed, that the duke's affection 
for his old French lady, whom, he lamented he could 
not marry, was a proof of his steady disposition, and 
domestic good qualities, added to which, he regularly 
went to church, and was never seen inebriated — a 
habit he always endeavored to check in those, over 
whom he had any influence — though major Dodd, as 
a particular favorite, was allowed occasionally, to 
take that enemy into his mouth which stole away his 
brains. Mr. Ulingworth, as I have before observed, 
confirmed mr. Glennie's declaration of the duke's 
temperance — a quality that was sure to engage the 
attention </* a wine-merchant, as well as his displeas- 
ure ! 

I hope mr. Glennie will not be offended with my 
asking him, through whose interest he got his pre- 
sent situation^ as teacher of mathematics in the 
national academy, at Woolwich ? — I am inclined to 
believe, that his private services have in the end, 
been better rewarded than those of the colonel's; — 
the one has Jive hundred a. yew, as the master of a 
school, and the other has not yet been made secre- 
tary at war ! When he is secretary at war, I 
shall expect to see the disappointed knight, of 
Bridge- street, chancellor of the exchequer /— or, 
embassador at Paris ; or, at least, a baronet ! — I 
am sure sir Richard will understand me 1 

Amidst the variety of dirty business which was 
allotted to M'Cullum, mrs. Wardle sent him to 
zvatch the movements of the duke of York. #t 



( 87 ) 

mrs. Carey's ; accordingly he formed an acquain- 
tance with a person who was a sort of chandler, next 
door to her residence, with a view to get introduced 
to her, and from which place he, or some other 
amiable character ', used to watch mrs Carey and 
the duke. Finding, however, that all attempts fail- 
ed to get acquainted with her, major Dodd went 
to work to accomplish that very desireable object ; 
and after many enquiries to find out the most cer- 
tain means of establishing an intimacy in mrs. Ca- 
rey's house, he got hold of an officer who had paint- 
ed a miniature of the duke of York, and bribed 
him to undertake the agreeable task. According- 
ly this $Q7i of Mars, offered his pictorial efforts for 
sale, to mrs. Carey, who thinking, as I was inform- 
ed, that he asked too much for the-portrait, objected 
to buy it, and there terminated his embassy. Va- 
rious other attempts were made to get a footing in 
this lady's house, but whether she was suspicious 
of the party, or they managed their business with 
a bad address, I cannot say ; but it appeared that all 
efforts to make her instrumental in their designs, 
proved ineffectual. 

When it was understood that I did not mean to 
publish my book, a report got into circulation, that 
mr. M'Cullum was in possession of a copy of it, 
which he intended to publish at a bookseller's, near 
the royal exchange ; I accordingly wrote to mr. 
Glennie upon the subject, and received the follow- 
ing answer : — 

11 Woolwich common, 
* Tuesday, April 25, 1809. 

" Dear madam, 

" Your friendly letter of yesterday, I have 
just had the pleasure of perusing, and you may rest 
assured, that I will lose no time in getting the in- 
jurious report you complain of, contradicted by mr. 



( S8 ) 

M'Cullum himself, and your wish in this respect 
complied with; I can hardly bring myself to think, 
that he would go to any printer, and wantonly offer 
to do what he knew it was utterly out of his power 
to accomplish ; 1 am therefore, inclined to believe, 
that there is some mistake in the business. Be 
this, however, as it may. I will take care to have it 
rectified; should it be in my power, I will call on 
you for a few minutes on Thursday or Friday next. 

« Offer my best wishes to miss Taylor, and be- 
lieve me to be, with much truth, your most sincere 
well wisher, 

And very humble servant, 

Thomas Glennie.' 5 

Mrs. M. A, Clarke. 

And afterwards the following from mr. M'Cul? 
lum : — 

" Madam, 

"On the 28th ultimo, I received a letter 
from mr. Glennie, which I laid aside, being deter- 
mined to pay no attention to its contents, because it 
imputed to me circumstances, which are so totally 
destitute of truth r and whoever informed you of my 
being with a mr. Edwards, or any other person, of- 
fering a book to publish, must have been aware he 
was deceiving you. I have not the honor of know- 
ing any person of that name, and I am equally cer^ 
tain I did not offer the manuscript of a book to any 
bookseller or printer in London^ nor asserted that 
you employed me to copy your publications ; my 
ill state of health, at the time, made me indifferent 
about either yourself or your production , and there- 
fore I refused mr. Glennie to contradict a report 
which I never circulated. However, on enquiry, I 
was informed you had, in a variety of instances in- 
dulged your wit maliciously at my expence. That 
you kept me out of charity, and gave me ^£.10, tQ 



keep your name out of the newspapers, in a triai 
you had in the court of common pleas, together 
with other circumstances equally false and disgust- 
ing to my feelings ; on hearing such reports, I 
stated to sir Richard Phillips, that I thought your 
conduct not only extraordinary, but ungrateful, and 
on that account, public justice would oblige me to 
publish every thing that came within my knowledge* 
rezficcting the late investigation. In your letter of 
the 1 1th instant, there is a vile insinuation, which I 
cannot pass over without reprobation. You say, if 
others have made you promises which they have 
not fulfilled, or if they have any way neglected you, 
it is not my fault, <kc. certainly it is not your fault, 
if others have not fulfilled promises which they 
never made, I have no fault to impute to them, as 
they are not under any obligation to me, I have no 
claim ufwn them, and never considered myself ne- 
glected in any instance ; your case is totally different, 
the public are convinced that you are under an 

OBLIGATION TO THE PARTIES YOU ARE now RE- 
VILING, though they never made you promises, 

no MORE THAN THEY DID TO ME, FOR AT THE 
TIME I FOUND YOU OUT, I WAS NOT CONNECTED 
WI1H THEM BUT VERY SLIGHTLY, and it Was blj 

your own express desire, that i introduced 

YOU TO MR. WARDLE. OF WHOSE CHARACTER, yOll 

informed me, you had a previous knowledge ; my 
original view was to serve you, without any hope of 
remuneration, and how far I have performed my 
duty, the public will soo?i decide between us ; I am 
sure they will not give you much credit for the part 
you have acted in abusing me. 
I am, madam, 

Your most obedient, ^ 
Humble servant, 

P.F. M'Cullum^ 

(Directed) " Castle street, Coffee house, Strsuut 

" Mr *. C l a R k e, 1 6th M4& 1 809/ ' 

Resthome place, 

Sloane-square, Chelsea,*' 
H 3 



( 90 ) 

It is impossible to possess a more important do- 
cument to illustrate the true character of ihibpoor 
wretch, and the description of persons with whom 
I unfortunately formed an acquaintance, than the 
one I have laid before the reader. He begins his* 
letter with a gross falsehood, in stating that he had 
not applied to a bookseller, to publish what he was- 
t/ien pleased to call a copy of my booh. A. publish- 
er, of the name of Blacklock, took orders for this 
embryo work, which was only, announced,- I sup* 
pose, to extort money from me ! — So much then 
for the first part of this man's stuff ; r in which ho 
goes on to observe, that u justice would oblige him 
to publish every thing," &c, &c — Apretty fellow to 
talk of justice, who, if otherwise than blind, she, 
would have seen him hanged, for being a spy* at 
Trinidad, where major Dodd saved a traitor to be- 
come a future spectacle of criminal jurisprudence, 
had not Providence, held out the hand of mercy, \ 
and snatched lum from the ignominious line, that sus- 
pends a villain from being of future mischief to his 
country ! 

As to the abuse which he accuses me of having 
bestowed on him, it does not deserve any notice, 
further than to observe, that I believe he would 
have fabricated any thing as a plea for writing the 
sentiments of his employers, and getting them if 
possible, dear out of their engagements. If the 
reader will employ a moment's reflection on the lines 
distinguished in italics and capitals, and then turn 
his eye to the first pages of this work, he must be 
convinced that Piert e M^Cullum, esq. was in every 
way calculated for the. service of his worthy master^ 
colonel Wardle ! 

He says, I am under an obligation to colonel War- 
die and major Dodd, though in a line or to further on ? 



* See note to p. 9. 

t Colonel Wardle is said to have buried him... 



( 91 ) 

he observes, his original view was to serve me,, and 
yet, according to the excellent reasoning, of die above 
Jetter, I am to have nothing but empty praise, (and 
scarcely that) for all my services to the colonel, and 
bis party. This ridiculous epistle must convince the 
reader, that they could assign any motives for their 
conduct as would best accord with the expediency* 
ot the moment. I am ready to make oath, that 1 
never spoke to colonel VVardle, or had any commu- 
nication with him, betore M'Cullum found me out< 
for the express purpose of bringing about an acquain- 
tance between us, and I also am ready to declare on 
oath, that I never saw M'Cullum, till he solicited aa 
interview with me, as I have explained more at 
length in the beginning of this work. This ingeni* 
ous letter, however, shews with what grea,t philanthro- 
py he sought to serve me, and after all, it ap- 
pears that I am not to be served 'i as he observes,, 
" there was no promise made to me ff What a know- 
ledge this man of letters must have had -of logic: sir 
Richard Phillips believing that M'Cullum was in pos- 
session of some of. the duke of York's letters, and 
also a copy of my work, as he prujessed to be, thought 
that if he could get this valuable manuscript our of. 
bis hands for a few hundred pounds, he most proba- 
bly micjht make something handsome of them, either, 
in a pecuniary po'int of view, or in the flattering 
compensation of an additional honor, and thereiore 
sinking his imaginary consequence y and assuming his 
best behavior, he courted, (which is not very common) 
the author, instead ot the author bein» obliged to 
court him. Among his temporary civilities, iie invit- 
ed M'Cullum to his country house, at Hampstead,. 
vho, thinking that a good dinner was no bad things 
did the knight the honor of a visit, on I believe the 
iir^t Saturday after he sent me the preceding letter. 
I need not describe the eagerness of sir Richard, 
to come at the darling object of his ambition, and 
afc M'Cullum afterwards related the conversation, I_ 
understand that he was offered 500/. tor the copy 



( 92 ) 

right of his supposed stolen property ! The reader may 
easily suppose, that as he had nothing to dispose of, 
he could not accede to the proposed terms, and there- 
fore sir Richard finding nothing was to be done with 
his visitor, began to probe him upon other matters 
relative to his party, and his opinion of the disposal 
of my work. 

This threw M'Cullum into a great rage, when he 
informed the knight, that as 1 had received a large 
sum ot money, and was also to have an annuity ; he 
expected me, to make him a handsome reward , as he 
first jound me out, which it I neglected to do, he 
was determined to prevent me from having the an- 
nuity ; — that he would blow up the whole set 
of us ; that it was an infamous plot, and that he 

WAS ACQUAINTED WITH THE WHOLE AFFAIR ! ! ! 

He then enumerated the parties concerned, in which 
he included the name of lord Folkstone* Sir Rich- 
ard, fearing that M'Cullum might deny all that was 
said, from his knowledge, 1 suppose, of his being a 
great rascal, requested a friend who was in the next 
room, to be pre^>ent, who, 1 am informed, came in 
and heard him repeat the latter part of hrs remarks, 
with respect to the plot, &c. &c. 

Sir Richard knowing, no doubt, of what dangerous 
materials the agent of a conspirator is in general com- 
posed, began to fear that his friend Wardle might 
be ruined by the infidelity ot a character, who would 
have sold his parent, or any of the dearest ties of na- 
ture, for a hundred pounds, immediately wrote to so- 
licit an interview with lord Foikstune upon the sub- 
ject, who accordingly called upon sir Kichard, when 
he communicated ail the latter part of his conversa- 
tion, (leaving his desire of the book out of question) 
relative to the threat held out by M'Cullum. Lord 
F. very cooly and very honestly observed, that he did 
not understand what was meant by it. as he knew noth- 
ing of the business until it came before the house of 
commons — a tact of which I shall shortly be able to 



( 93 ) 

convince the reader. When his lordship called upon 
me, he related his conversation with sir Richard, and 
asked rae, whether there was any truth in M'Cullum'* 
account of a plot ; I told him that at some iuture pe- 
riod 1 might be at liberty to say more upon the sub- 
ject, but at present I was obliged to decline going 
further into the business — that if his lordship was dis- 
posed to attend to the information of sir Richard, he 
perhaps, might learn something more of the atfair 
from colonel Wardle, who (if he pleased) could ex- 
plain every thing ! 

Jf we cast our eyes over the pages of history, and 
take into our consideration, that man is quite the 
creature of circumstances — that his fears and cour- 
age are worked upon by the accidental appearance 
of reward and punishment, as quicksilver rises and 
falls by the versatile state of the atmosphere, we shall 
not be surprised that conspiracies have generally fail- 
ed to the extent of their author's views. Here we 
see a fellow who was living, or rather starving, on 
the bounty of a conspirator, about to sell him and all 
his glory, because he could not get a share of my 
property^ though his master had not in any instance, 
violated his professions of friendship to him ! One 
day he was standing up in the cause of his patron ; 
the next day we see him ready to stand up for his de- 
struction ! and thus it is, the whole machinery of 
such a mans heart is regulated but by two springs; — 
the one that turns up the fears of the gallows — and, 
the other that affords him a prospect of wealth ! 

Taking a retrospect of some of the recent exer- 
tions of those persons who have formed plans on the 
continent, for either the restoration of monarchy, or 
some other change in the government, as in the case of 
generals Pichegru and Moreau, or in the still more 
recent case, it correctly given by the French papers, 
of an endeavor to obtain the liberty of Ferdinand 
VII. of Spain, and restore him to his legitimate 
throne, it may be clearly seen, that the agents of thott- 



( 94 ) 

acts, defeated the object of their embassy, through 
the operation of the passions, which ought to be so 
disciplined, as to sleep with such persons. Indeed, 
the freedom of the British government will not ad- 
mit of carrying into effect, a private plan of hostili- 
ty on the continent, for many reasons; one of 
which is, that though it has the ability of bestowing 
rewards in case of success, it cannot inflict punish- 
ment beyond that of contempt and future disregard, 
if its agents, either through/ear or too much anxi- 
ety, as in the case of Ferdinand, fail in the accom- 
plishment of their object. Now the arbitrary go- 
vernment of France can, not only reward as well as 
the english do, but it can go further with a weak- 
nerved and unsuccessful agent, who if not hanged 
when found out by his enemy, is soon lost to the 
world after his return to Paris ; and if you want to 
seek him, you must inquire of the executioner, at 
the door of the Temple 1 

Hence it is, that the french can do business of 
this kind better than the english. An englishman 
on his return from an unsuccessful embassy, has 
his offence as his shield of safety, and returns to so- 
ciety with the confidence of a hero, and if he should 
ever reflect upon his errors, he has only to regret, 
that nature had not given him a cool head, and more 
courage, while his employers have to reproach 
themselves for having sent out a person of such a 
delicate contexture of nerve ! 

Another probable reason of our ill success in 
these kind of things is, that the englishman, from 
the natural freedom of his government, has much 
to fear when employed on an embassy of a private 
nature ; first, because he is generally coupled with 
associates, whose success and lives are greatly de- 
pendant on each other, and for whose fears and zrc- 
discretion he cannot be accountable ; and secondly, 
that the dwellings of our leading political men, are 
too full of foreign servants^ who are the most dan- 



( 95 ) 

gerous spies that can possibly infest a nation, and 
who very naturally love to see that country flou- 
rish which gave them birth, consequently they eat 
english beef, to enable them to tell english secrets, 
and thus the french government soon gets at the 
movements of our cabinet. 

Such impressions operating even upon the mind 
of a cool meta/ihisical man % are almost enough to 
agitate his nerves, and induce him to fear that eve- 
ry time the wind shakes his window, the french po- 
lice is coming into his bed-chamber to take him 
away. 

The person who is employed to bring about any 
great events, such for instance as bringing away 
the incarcerated Monarch, whose presence, in his 
own convulsed nation, might fialsy the enemy's 
sword and ultimately restore it to all its wonted 
greatness, ought to be possessed of qualities a lit- 
tle above the ordinary standard of men, otherwise 
the fiolicy of his country will become exposed, and 
his life pay for the folly of its choice, and his own 
weakness ! 

In colonel Wardle, we have seen what a political 
agent is— I therefore, will attempt to describe what 
such a character ought to be: — He should possess 
great natural endowments, and be a perfect master 
of the passions, prejudices and infirmities of man- 
kind, so as he may at a moment be able to turn hu- 
man weakness to the advantage of his own imme- 
diate purpose ; he ought to have a pretty general 
knowledge of political events, which living on the 
mind as a finger post of direction — or a beacon of 
guard, he may be instantly able to steer without 
observance amidst the rocks and quicksands of his 
dangerous station. He ought to be quick in concep- 
tion, and cool in execution, and Proteus like, change 
his nature with every gale, without suffering the 
little storms of his service, to ruffle a mind which 



( 96 ) 

ought to bend coolly to every difficulty, for the at- 
tainment of its ends ! 

Now even such a character, pursuing his politi- 
cal course with another, must act under great ap- 
prehension of his associate's ability and indiscre- 
tion, and therefore, no political operation of this 
kind can be so well affected, as when left to one 
elever individual, (if circumstances will admit) who, 
conscious of all resting upon himself, moves with- 
out the drcud of being betrayed by the/ears^ weak' 
nessyOV interest of his colleague. 

If colonel Wardle were such a character as I 
have described, what mischief would be within his 
power !— but his head was never designed for any 
thing beyond daring and impudent blunders, and the 
violence of his disposition only tended to expose 
them. Perhaps providence, in its wisdom, has so 
constructed our nature, for the security of public 
happiness, that but very few men possess the neces- 
sary qualities, for shaking the tfirone cf a nation ; 
and where that great invisible cause has given a 
head for evil^ it has also given a heart to counter- 
act its dangerous power ; and where it has given 
the heart of a Wardle, it has given a head also, to 
counteract and defeat the effect of its black designs. 

Returning again to the proceedings in parlia- 
ment, I must be allowed to inform tne reader, that 
on the eleventh day of the investigation, being I 
believe, on the 20th of February, I found myself 
unable to attend the house in consequence of in- 
disposition, and as doctor Metcalf was then in the 
habit of meeting colonel Wardle and his party at 
my table, I got him to attend the house, and to 
state- my inability to be then examined, which he 
dici and my attendance was a^coidingly dispensed 
with on that evening. On the forenoon after my 
last examination in the house, colonel Wardle and 
major Dodd called on me, contrary to their promise 
of not being seen at Westborne Place til) the dusk 



( 97 ) 

of the day ,•* lord Folkstone happened to drop in 
by accident, and on finding them much agitated, 
began to suspect there was something between m % 
beyond that which had met the public eye; ind 
though he had nothing of any moment to say or 
communicate to me, he felt inclined to %iay and 
watch the conduct of the colonel and major Dodd. 
At this time, I should inform the reader, I was con- 
fined to my bed, and after many entreaties from 
Dodd and Wardle, to see mu. I desired (in barker 
angry terms) to know what it was that occasioned 
them to urge an interview, when I was so ii. dis- 
posed. 

Before I introduce lord Folkstone to the notice 
of my reader, I must be permitted to pay a tribute 
of respect to his honor and abilities. His lordship 
was no way connected with the persons who consti- 
tute the leading feature of this work. He identi- 
fied himself with the investigation upon public 
grounds, and only visited mmuider the impression 
of having been an injured woman, who was pro- 
voked to measure*, at which my nature appeared to 
revolt. Under these honorable impressions, lord 
Folkstone -called forth the energy of a vigorous un- 
derstanding into the supposed service of his coun- 
try, and upon the same principle of becoming my 
friend, he united himself with the politics of co-o- 
nel Wardle, as it will be shortly seen by ax n:?on- 
tant letter from his lordship to me. 

When lord Folkstone found they wished to be 
admitted into my bed-chamber for a private confer- 
ence, he insisted on being present, as he very pro- 
perly thought^ he had a right to know all the cir- 
cumstances attending a measure to which he had 
lent his public support. Finding that nothing I 
could say or do, would excuse me from receiving 

* See page 32. 
I 



( 98 ) 

their visit I at last gave my assent, and the colonel 
and lord Foikstone ca.me.up. After some common- 
place expressions of sorrow at my confinemen , the 
colonel told me, it was highly necessary 1 should 
not be again called before the house ; and 
though I might be better in health, 1 must affect 

tO CONTINUE INDISPOSED, as ANOTHER EXAMINA- 
TION might ruin them ! — At these remarks lord 
Foikstone appeared much surprised, and then ob- 
served, that he was of a very contrary opinion, and 
thought that if I were well, I ought to attend the 
house whenever called upon. After much alterca- 
tion upon this point, Lord Foikstone told colonel 
Wardle, that he was sure there was something go- 
ing on, with which he was not acquainted, and in- 
sisted upon knowing what it was, that appeared to 
disturb him so much and which had thrown him 
into such an agitation. The colonel finding 
himself so closely pinned down to the point, and 
that an evasion would uot turn the subject, he was 
obliged to tell his Lordship, that it was of a nature 
he could not communicate to him. Lord Foikstone, 
feeling a little indignant at this answer, said, that 
as he had not been made acquainted with the whole 
business, he was sorry he had lent himself to the 
colonel's cause, and immediately went down stairs 
to major Dodd, who had been left in the parlor. 

The reader may naturally suppose, that I had a 
pretty accurate idea of the colonel's motives, for 
asking me not to appear again at the house of com- 
mons, though I was obliged to assume a perfect ig- 
norance of the subject, while lord Foikstone re- 
mained in the room. 

Where a variety of persons are concerned in an 
affair, like that of which I am now writing, and so 
many agents at work in all directions, to detect eve- 
ry thing that might tend to destroy their schemes 
in the bud ; it will not appear extraordinary, that 
government acquired some information of the real 



( 99 ) 

cfause of the investigation, and of those persons who 
secretly organized, and gave it their private sup- 
port. By a reference to the minutes, it may be sus- 
pected that the duke of York's friends had been 
made acquainted with some facts dangerous to 
colonel Wardle's popularity, from the questions 
which they had put to me on my former examina* 
tion : — colonel Wardle, feeling himself alone, be- 
gan to unbosom his fears, by observing, that he 
and major Dodd were very apprehensive that go- 
vernment were in possession of circumstances 
which would prove unfavorable to the cause, if I 
were again examined, and though I had most abiy 
evaded their questions, yet another examination 
might lead to the discovery of the whole fxlot ; they, 
therefore, thought it most adviseable to prevent me 
(if possible) from again attending the house, as the 
most effectual means of their own security. 

The colonel continued to assure me, that major 
Dodd had also heard from various quarters, that 
suspicions were whispering about, that he, and the 
duke of Kent had promoted the investigation, and 
as I had been already so closely questioned upon 
that and other subjects, they must close their glori- 
ous parliamentary career, without the hazard of my 
future assistance at St. Stephen's. The colonel 
then took leave of me. I afterwards understood 
that lord Folkstone, had a very serious conversa- 
tion with major Dodd, in the parlor, who also re- 
fused to impart the secret to his Lordship, 

Notwithstanding I religiously kept my promise 
with the colonel and major Dodd, that I would not 
inform lord Folkstone of the private understanding 
that existed between us, with respect to the duke 
of Kent being through his confidential secretary, the 
main spring of all the political machinery ; his 
lordship found that the hounds had not opened for 
nothing, and having caught the scent, on the above 
mornings at Bridge-street, he privately pursued the 



C 100 )- 

track till he traced the retreat of the sly vox, who 
had been doing so much mischief in the dark ! 

Though I shall presently go more at length into 
my motives for not publishing my memoirs, in 
consequence of the extraordinary affidavit, and af- 
terwards personal evidence of Sir Richard Phillips ; 
yet I must here inform the reader, that I did not 
hit u/ion the expediency of becoming an author till 
the latter end of February ; a circumstance which 
I entreat the public to bear in msmory, as much 
important matter arises from that fact. 

When colonel WardLe and his colleagues found 
that I would not publish my book, as I have more 
than once had occasion to remark, and that it was 
become a service of danger , to offer me again to the 
notice of the house of commons, upon any new sub- 
ject ; their visits were less frequent, and their whole 
conduct assumed a different feature y though, they 
kept up a so>t of respectful politeness , under the 
management of a cold-hearted policy ! 

Keeping in mind the maxim of the poet, that 
¥ There is a tide in the affairs of men, which ta- 
ken at the flood, leads on to fortune £* and believ- 
ing that Shakspear did not mean to exclude females 
from the advantage of this doctrine, I thought, that 
I could: not as a parent, do too much for my chil- 
dren, who had commenced a very expensive educa- 
tion, and who have ever been the endearing objects 
of my care and solicitude; I therefore wrote to co- 
lonel Wardle upon the subject of a subscription^ 
which several of my friends had suggested, who 
thinking me deserving of public patronage, and not 
being acquainted with colonel W&rdle's private pe- 
cuniary engagements^ had advised me to this mea- 
sure ! 

Having so far explained my motives, I beg to intro- 
duce to your notice, not the same colonel Wardle that 
I raided from obscurity, to the pinnacle of popular 
admiration, and who would have eaten the very dirt 



KM 

on which I trod, at one time for my services — but a 
colonel Wardlc, who not being able to make other po- 
litical uses of me for the destruction ot ******, began 
to play ihejesuit, as may be seen by the following an- 
swer to my application, with respect to the subscrip- 
tion, in the drawing up of which, his wife, I suppose 
afforded him assistance: 

" March 24. 

" Thanks for your good wishes, but my poor boy 
is in that state which renders me unequal to give my 
mind to any subject whatever. I had hoped that your 
arrangement about your book, would have warded off 
all present difficulty, and I hope, I need not assure 
you, that I shall ever be disposed to promote any plan 
for your permanent advantage ; that you deserve xcell 
of your country, I believe, to be a very general senti- 
ment, but the idea that prevails, that you are living in 
splendor, militates forcibly against any thing you Sug- 
gest, I wish you would consult Lord F. and 1 anxiously 
wish, that having consulted him, you would attend lo 
his advice. God bless you." 

It does not require much penetration to see through 
the artifice of this letter. — Colonel Warrile finding 
that no further use could be made of me, had only 
another task to perform, which was to aipid in the 
quietest way possible, the fulfilment of all his pro- 
mises, and therefore he enters upon a next plan of ope- 
rations, by sending the above document, in which he 
very artfully begs me to consult Lord Folkstone upon, 
the state of my affairs, whose knowledge of ail his 
private proceedings he made every endeavor to pre- 
vent. 

It is necessary to inform the reader, that on the 
receipt of the above extraordinary letter, 1 wrote . 
back immediately to inform colonel \\m*cile, that I 
should be happy to t^ke Lord Folkstone's opitmn bc~ 
I 2 



( 102 ) 

fore that of any other person,, and begged he would 
give 1** leave to explain the whole of the transaction 
to his lordship; but to this proposition, the good co- 
lonel decidedly objected, and therefore, at that time, I 
did not mention it to lord Foljkatoac, believing that 
colonel Waruie would reconsider the matter, and see 
the policy of being for once in his life wise — a polit- 
ical oversight, I know he has since regretted, and 
which has given him many & painful hour; but after 
advancing a falsehood to the country, in his hasty and 
foolish address to the people of England; he has 
been obliged to uade through a sea of iniquity to sup- 
port it, and to keep up that nimbus of his- Popu- 
larity ! 

1 have already given a faithful account of all that 
1 heard pass between the colonel and Lord Folkstone, 
on their, last meeting at my house; and it must ap- 
pear pretty clear to the reader, that I have stated 
nothing but facts, as I have mentioned the name of a 
nobleman who can contradict this declaration, if oth- 
erwise than true. But I entertain too high an opinion 
wf the integrity, and honor of lord Folkstone, to be- 
lieve that he will venture to deny ?n.y part of the above 
statement. Experience has certainly taught me not 
to depend on the honor or memory of any man, par- 
ticularly when I possess the means. oi doing justice Xq 
my own character through the medium of unanswer- 
able documents I 

Alter this letter the colonel was, as I have before 
observed, less frequent at my house,, and when any 
of his age?its called, every artful excuse was employ- 
ed to avoid any thing that led to the subject in which 
I was most interested. I was told, however, that 1 
had broken every agreement, in having withdrawn 
my intended book from the public eye, and as the 
colonel and his friends had an important purpose to 
answer through that publication, 1 had greatly inju- 
red and disappointed them — consequently I had no 
right to expect the fulfilment of their promises*. Tq 



( 103 ) 

this, 1 replied, that the idea of publishing, did not' 
occur to me till loner alter their promises of reward, 
ami that as I had accomplished an injury to the duke 
of York, according to agreement, 1 kit myself enti- 
tled to every penny ot the promised remuneration. 
Upon this principle they endeavored to shuffle, and 
after several remonstrances, I wrote the following let- 
ter to colonel Wardle, which no person would, or could 
have written to another, who had not a just clai>f 
iton his honor: — 

" May l±th, 180Q. 
^Deaii SlR r 

" When I sent for you the other- day, and you 
were accompanied by major Dodd, to enquire what 
were your intentions, with respect to putting your 
promises into execution; you seemed unwilling to 
admit that they were made eut conditionally, this* 
I deny. The only construction I can put upon 
it, is this,, that- you- felt yourself under a heavy res- 
ponsibility to me, and of which, both yourself and 
major Dodd thought to get rid of, by future promises^ 
as futile and evasive, neither of which ought, or can 
succeed. — I will here put you once more in mind of 
those promises, and of my expectations, which if you 
value yourselves as men of honor, you cannot but 
accede to, nor can you think I require anything, but 
what I am fully entitled to. — Nothing less than five 
hundred a year ; and as my children have been equal? 
sufferers with myself, in the public opinion, as being 
the daughters ol so indiscreet a mother, they demand 
from me every thing I can, or ought to command; 
and therefore, as five hundred a year for my own life, 
which may be short, would be of no advantage to 
them> I think, that by letting you off for ten thou- 
sand pounds^ is not half your promises to me; yet,. 
as 1 feel aware ot what you mentioned the other day,. 
oi not having it in immediate power to accomplish,. 



( 10* ) 

I expect that you and major Dodd, enter into a 
joint bond, as you did into joint promises, for ten 
thousand pounds, to be paid me within two years, and 
till that be accomplished, to pay me the ,£500 a year, 
commencing irom March last, and to pay Wright the 
remainder of his bill. 

" This is all, and surely it is not of half the value 
of the promises made me, which were these ! — -As my 
sou was then under the protection of the duke of 
York, of course would lose that protection as soon 
a* I began upon the duke's ruin. He was to have 
equal protection from the duke of Kent. — I with- 
drew mv son, and / have him now on my hands. The 
next was a situation for captain Thompson in some 
way, enough to keep him, or, in the event of the 
duke of Kent coming in as commander in Chief, to 
get him reinstated in the army. — He still remains as 
he was !!!— The next, the payment of the arrears of 
annuity, as promised me by the duke of York, and 
the annuity to be continued to me during my life of 
four hundred per annum : my debts to be paid, those 
contracted while I lived with th« duke of York, and 
those since. 

" The debt of twelve hundred pounds, which is 
owing to mr. Comrie, for which he stops my jewels 
and furniture. 

" My present house and furniture to be paid for, 
of which a part only is paid by you and Dodd. 

" Now let me ask you, if the ten thousand pounds 
is equal to half these promises ? and for the fulfil- 
ment of each, you pledged yourself in the most so- 
lemn manner to see performed, and to which I paid 
the most implicit confidence and belief, or why did I 
resist, and expose, during the investigation, the over- 
tures made me by Williams, of whatever sum that I 
might ask for, being ready for my acceptance, to 
make me affluent for hie? Think vpon this. I shall 
add "but little more, but even were this sum to come 



( 105 ) 

vxut of your own pocket, the character you have ac- 
quired through my means, would not be more than I 
am fully entitled to. 

il I remain, Dear Sir, 
" Your's, &c. &c. 
(Signed) " M, A. Clarke. 2 ' 

" Take a fortnight to consider; after that time do 
not depend upon my secrecy, and I shall consider 
myself at liberty to make what use I please, oi the 
copy of this letter." 

No one, I trust, can be so credulous as to believe 
that I would have made such a demand on the purse 
of another, if previous circumstances had not warrant- 
ed every sentence of this epistle ! — The thing speaks 
so clearly for itself, that I shall not trouble the reader 
with any further illustration oi my letter, beyond 
that paragraph which speaks of my having withdrew 
my sen from the protection of the duke of York for 
that of the duke oi Kent. Was it likely, that dis- 
tressed as I then was, I should have removed my boy 
from all the comforts of life, and advantages necessarily 
attendant on the duke oi York** patronage, for my own 
maintenance, out of the hundred pounds, which major 
Dodd and the- Colonel have since sworn was all 
that they promised to me for my laborious services in 
the house of commons. If the reader should believe 
this, it will not be difficult to make him believe, that 
he is walking about without that useless things called 
his own head ! 

I suppose this letter threw 7 him into some slight 
degree of turmoil, as he came with it in his hand, 
soon after he received it, and begged to see me but 
as I had previously determined upon my future 
course of proceeding, my servant did not admit 
him, as may be seen further on, in my address to 
the people of the united kingdom. 

I must here inform the reader, that before lord 



( 106 ) 

Foikstxne left London, he teazed me to confirm 
what he had discovered of the private history of 
my expectations, from the duke of Kent, through 
colonel Wardle and major Dodd, and on my full 
exposure of every particular, he expressed his in* 
dignation at the dirty proceedings, in very strong 
and manly language, but observed, that he should 
see the colonel that very evening in the house of 
commons, and would sound him upon his intentions 
towards me. On his lordship's next visit, he told 
me that he had asked colonel Wardle, whether he 
knew how I supported my establishment, as he did 
72o£ believe 1 was living under the protection of any 
one— and whether he meant to exert himself for a 
subscription, or to do any other act of pecuniary 
kindness in return for my services — The colonel 
felt confused at these questions, and after some Utile 
fiause,he said he did not know any thing about my 
affairs, but it was not in his power to do any 
thing for me, and in fact it was not his intention 
to take an interest in my concerns. — His lordship 
then left him with some strong observation, and as- 
sured me that he would cut the dirty fellow, which I 
have every reason to believe he did ; for seveial 
months, till his lordship found it political to notice 
him again, in order to keep up that system of poli- 
tics, to which he gives his usual support ! ! ! 

Furnished as I feel myself with the means of sup- 
porting every sentence of this work, I should be 
extremely weak to suffer either my respect or deli* 
eacy, for the political conduct of any individual, to 
keep from the public eye a letter of any impor- 
tance to my cause. If what I am about to intro- 
duce to the notice of the reader, had been written 
by a ministerial man, or one under the influence of 
royalty, it might present itself in a questionable 
shape ! — but when coming directly from -^nobleman 
who is an opponent to ministers, and who distin- 
guished himself from principle only, in colonel 



( 107 ) 

Wardle's cause, it will alone become an unavswek- 
able defence and jus ift cut ion of my conduct , even 
though I should cease to write another Line upon 
the subject J 

Farringdon, June 27, 1809. 
Mrs. CLARKE, 

West borne Place, 

anc square, London. 
Folhstcne (Free.) 

" Coleshill house, 27th June. 
" Dear madam, 

" I thank you for the letter which I have 
just received from you It is not dated either as to 
time or place ; so I address this to you t:t your old 
house. Let me know when yon write me to change 
the direction. I wish I had some news to send 
you in return for your entertaining letter, but from 
this sequestered spot you can expect none — indeed 
since I came here I have done nothing but attend 
Bibury — wander about the fields by myself, and eat 
strawberries, things which are very entertaining 
and wholesome, but altogether uninteresting to re- 
late. Your letter, on the contrary, is full of inte- 
resting matter, whereon, such a hermit as I am at 
this place, whether he be of a contemplative turn 
of mind or not, might chew the cud of reflection 
for many a day. I THINK FROM WHAT YOU 
SAY, THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY, IF 
THE MATTER COMES ON FOR TRIAL. 
THE WHOLE AFFAIR MUST OUT, AND 
THE ROYAL BROTHER,* DODD, AND 
WARDLE, WILL BE EXPOSED. I LA- 
MENT THAT THEY DO NOT FORESEE 
THIS ; OR, THAT THEY DID NOT FORE- 

- t * Duke of Kent, —— 



< w» ) 

SEE THIS AND PREVENT THE ECLAT, 
I. DO N »f GUESS WHAi THE LATTER 
MEANS TO DO, I SUPPOSE HE WILL 
TRUST TO HIS POPULARITY TO BEAR 
HIM THROUGH, BUT THAT WILL NOT 
DO— FOR AFiER ALL, THOUGH HIS PART 
HAS NOT BMEjV SO BASE AS THAI OF 
THE OTHER TWO, IT HAS BEEN A DIRTY 
ONE, AND HE HAb BUFFERED HIMSELF 
TO BE MADE AN INSTRUMENT OF BY 
THEM. T e thing, however, will do no good to 
the royal family in general ; for though the duke's 
friends and the ministry, will attempt to invalidate 
your testimony, in consequence of the promises 
held out to you, there is so much evidence in your 
statements — so many corroborating circumstances, 
and so many people know so many instances of the 
kind, that the public will not be induced to believe 
your testimony false. The thing, however will be, 
doubtless, attempted, and I should not wonder if 
the duke was to be re-instated. If that should be, 
I hope you will be prepared te give them some new 
instances, and proofs of your :power, and the duke's 
subserviency. I suppose ^he ^public prints will en- 
deavor to mix me up with the named trio, but 
that is quite impossible. Whitbread, Burdett, and 
myself, can in no degree be involved — at least I 
Ivave no doubt but that they are as clear as I know 
myself to be. I saw by the papers, that the South- 
wark baronet had obtained for you, your letters — 
rnrs. Jackson will now be easy 1 

<; As tor Clavering, he is acting the part of a per- 
fect ideot. The best thing he could have done, would 
have been to have walked quietly out of his goal, 
and hid himself. The less he is heard of the better 
for him. Instead of which, however, he is, 1 see, 
publishing a book — Clavering writing a book H! — 
and as for challenging, if he has a mind to right v\cvy 
body who speaks ill of him, he will have to iireai 



( io? > 

every man be meets. The idea of fighting wifk 
NViiitbread, is very bad. He must take care, or 
he will be running his foolish head into some foolish 
scrape or another. All this to do, I could contem- 
plate with amusement, or at least I could sit by, and 
observe all these intrigues at work different ways, 
with philosophical indifference, were I not fearful you 
would be the sufferer. I tremble for the settlement 
of your affairs, which I should presume to be now 
more distant than ever. 

" I am afraid that you will be tired of this scrawl, 
which is nearly illegible. — Pray let me hear from you 
again when any thing occurs, and you have a moment 
for writing. Your letters sent to Harley-street, as 
usual, will meet me. Adieu ! 

Ever sincerely, your's, Folkstoke." 

I feel confident that I might here drop my pen in 
my defence, and rest satisfied, that I have already 
done all that the public expected and required of me! 
— But Machiavel's prince, the great star that light- 
ed Buonaparte along the murky path to his present 
glory, forbids that policy which allows too much in- 
dulgence to your enemy, of v\hose revenge, he ob- 
serves, there should be left no reason to fear. 

Impressed with a belief, that those persons who 
endeavored to sxcear me into a gaol, and perhaps a 
pillory, and who sought the destruction of myself 
and children, do not deserve much lenity, I shall pro- 
ceed to unmask their actions, for the contempt ani 
derision of the world \ 

As the names of sir Francis Burden and mr. Whit- 
bread are mentioned in lord Folkstone's letter, (I 
feel myself called upon to corroborate his lordship's 
declaration) of their having been in novay connected 
with the private proceedings of colonel Wardle and 
major Dodd. Like lord F. they only acted upoa 
public principles, when the charges became a subject 
of parliamentary discussion. 
K 



( no ) 

Of both these gentlemen I am bound to speak iii 
the most grateful terms, and to express my admira- 
tion of their private worth, and great abilities. With. 
the politics of sir Francis I have nothing to do or 
sa}', farther than I believe he means well, though im* 
prudently too violent, and not very choice as to the 
character of his political associates ! 

When sir Francis possesses himself of a more per- 
fect knowledge of colonel Wardle's character, I think 
he will be sorry that he has recently suffered such a 
man, during the commotion in Piccadilly, to crawl 
t/p his back, and seat himself upon unpointed shoul- 
ders, in order that the lustre of his character might 
afford a transient ray to play round a visage so deep- 
ly clouded with guilt ! 

If mr. Gillray, the ingenious -carrciturist, were to . 
employ his pencil upon Wardle's artful method of 
again trying to raise himself in the public opinion, 
the worthy baronet would be seen to labor under 
as great a bundle of sin, as_John Bunyan, the hero of 
" " The Pilgrim's Progress V 9 

The other paragraphs of this important letter are 
so complete a defence of my conduct, and exposure of 
colonel Wardle, that I shall now leave them for him 
to chew the cud of reflection upon, with what appetite 
he may ; while I conduct the other of my readers to 
another part of the subject. 

In my letter to colonel Wardle, I promised to wait 
a fortnight for his answer, but not hearing from him 
upon the subject, I informed mr. Wright of his con- 
duct to me, in order that he might be upon the 
alert with respect to his bill. He accordingly, called 
on the colonel several times, who being always deni- 
ed, thought it prudent to leave his bill with the fol- 
lowing note: 

" Francis Wright's respectful compliments to 

the colonel, has taken the liberty to inclose his bill, 

ud as the articles were to be charged for ready mo* 



( 111 ) 

ncy, having met with a most serious disappointment* 
will thank him to settle the balance, and tor that pur- 
pose will call upon him tomorrow morning at 11 
o'clock. 

" llathbone Place, June 1, 180<)." 

Not hearing from the colonel in clue time, Wright 
again called at his house, when his servant brought 
out word, that his master could not see him, and that 
he did not know any such person, nor any thing about 
his business, therefore, he must have made a mistake, 
and come to the urong house ! ! ! — I am sure the 
reader will think with me, that such an answer, was 
enough to enrage rar. Wright, and induce him to go 
instantly and consult his attorney, who, under the 
peculiar circumstances of the case, of which he was 
well acquainted, advised him to proceed against the 
colonel immediately, otherwise he would lose the ad* 
vantage of a term. 

I wonder whether the colonel knew mr. Wright, 
when he 'personally coaxed him to do his dirty work 
in making an inquiry with respect to a lady in the 
New-road, who was supposed to have been acquaint- 
ed with a personage of high rank. — 1 wonder whether 
he knew mr. Weight when he was soliciting other 
favors of him, with respect to an officer in the Guards^ 
and endeavoring to make him an instrument of his con- 
venience in a variety of ways, but which favors mr. 
Wright, though obliged to promise, told me, he did 
not choose to perform, as there was such a person as 
M'CulIum about the colonel, who was better fit for 
that kind of dishonorable business than himself. 

Mr. Wright had now no alternative left for the re- 
covery of his money, but by a legal proceeding against 
the colonel, who accordingly soon understood that he 
had to dispute the point with John Doe and Richard 
Roe. 

Before the cause came on to be tried, the colonel 
very naturally had several consultations with his 



( 112 ) 

counsel, v?hom as I before observed, he deceived milk 
respect to the real merits of the case. 

Mr. Cobbett having got wind of the impending 
danger of his friend's popularity, made some err* 
quiries upon the subject, and hearing, through mr. 
Waithman the linen-draper, that he had seen the co- 
lonel's brief, which evinced an unspotted case, he gave 
kim his assurance of support in his Weekly Reghter y 
but expressed a desire to see a fair copy of it, which 
mr. Corfield immediately prepared with all necessary 
omissions y and Wardle sent off to Botley. — Cobbett- 
and Waithman being impressed with a belief that 
this brief contained the whole transaction, and it in 
no way impeached the character of their friend 
Wardle, as a gentleman, and a man of honor, they pre- 
dicted the most favorable result to his cause. 

As the trial approached, and as colonel Wardle's 
fears gradually made him unfold circumstances that 
were not at all touched upon in the briefb which had 
been prepared expressly t© preserve his character with 
Cobbett and Waithman, mr. Corfield began to see a 
little morexnto the real situation of his client, and ad- 
vised according! v. 

It is said that he who deceives his physician ov^ 
lawyer, deceives himself, and this was precisely the 
case with the colonel, who told one thing one day, 
and another afterwards, and only in the moments of 
agitation, let the facts drop out, w r hich he often ap- 
peared ready to ?*e-swallow, and twist any way by 
falsehood ! 

One morning, after a long "consultation with mr, 
Serjeant Best, who afforded him no hopes of his cause, 
and who predicted the destruction of that fair fabric 
of fame, the colonel had labored so much to rear; 
— he, under great agitation of mind, requested mr. 
Corfield to call at Rath bone Place, and see whether 
Wright was disposed to any terms of settlement, 
while he waited at the corner of Percy-street. Ac- 
cordingly they walked -thither, when mr. Corfield 



( US ) 

left him, during his visit to the plaintiffs house, whtt 
not being in the way, he had a conversation with his 
brother, rnr. Daniel Wright. 

I understand mr. Daniel Wright told mr. Cor field 
that his brother had no wish to expose the colonel's 
pecuniary situation with me, or himself — that all he 
looked to, was the payment of his oil!, and that he 
did not wish to inforce it in any way immediately 
distressing to the pocket of colonel Wardle — but, as 
itwasajust demand, his brother would tto^ be frightened 
©utof his money ! — he then begged to refer him tomr. 
Stokes, who, be was sure, would do every thing that was 
fair and honorable. After some few miscellaneous ob- 
servations, mr. Corfleld left mr. Daniel Wright, for 
his client in Percy-street, whom he of course made 
acquainted with the particulars of his interview. 
This gentleman then waited upon mr. Stokes, who 
refused to settle the business any other way than by 
the verdict of a jury, unless colonel Wardle would 
allow his liability to perform the promise he made 
to mr. Wright, leaving only the amount of the debt 
to arbitration. From golden-square, he accompa- 
nied mr. Corneld to the fields adjacent to West borne 
place, where he waited an hour, while his solicitor 
was employing his best efforts with me, in the service 
of the colonel- 

At this time y the public prints had got hold of some 
of the leading circumstances attending the suit, and 
colonel Wardle was consequently placed in an awk- 
ward situation. If he settled the bill, he feared it 
would be a tacit acknowledgment of his bribery to me, 
and therefore he pictured to himself all the frightful 
dangers attendant on the trial of the action. Under 
the^e agonizing sensations of his then present predica- 
ment, he asked mr. Corfleld, as they passed through 
Bedford-square, to put him in the way of obtaining 
the chiltcrn hundreds, as he should dread to again face 
the house of commons. Mr. Coifkld told him. ihvX 
K % 



( 114 ) „ 

the house would be most likely up before the trial 
came on, and that the succeeding session of parlia- 
ment, could not take cognizance of the preceding* of 
the former; he, therefore, advised him not to be too 
hasty upon resigning his seat in the house, -as acci- 
dent and time might do much in his favor. 

Raised again into hope, by the agreeable consola- 
tion of his solicitor, he determined to brave the storm 
till fresh difficulties crowded in upon him. His coun- 
sel asked questions which he never expected, and was 
therefore not prepared to meet; and thus each day 
encircled him with embarrassment. Mr. Corfield, 
at last, picked out of his client, by stratagem, too much 
of his case ; that is to say, he acquired such of the 
facts which had been at first studiously concealed, 
that were likely to prove fatal to his defence of the 
action. He had, however, a duty to perform to his 
client, and as he could not pay the money, he had to 
meet the enemy with all the generalship in his power. 

A day or two before the trial colonel Wardle wrote 
a paper of instructions to mr. Corfield, which he has 

KOW IN HIS POSSESSION ! 

" If mr. Daniel Wright should swear so and so, 
(then explaining particulars) be prepared for him, as 
he will perjure himself — and if mrs. Clarke should 
sweare so and so, she will also perjure herself." 

When this paper was shewn to mr. Serjeant Best, 
he very properly said, " good God, how should colo- 
nel Wardle know all this, if he did not know that 
the reverse of such supposed evidence is the 
truth and the truth of course is against him ! ! f 9 
Wise and honorable colonel Wardle f 

When mr. Corfield was about to draw his last brief 
(fori believe there were several) he requested col- 
onel Wardle to bring major Dodd and all the persons 
concerned in the cause, that he' might examine them 
«pou the nature and extent of their respective testi- 



( 115 ) 

many; But the colonel objected to it, under some 
frivolous excuse, and the brief was drawn for the sole 
instructions of the defendant, who did not intro- 
duce him to major Dodd and mr. Glennie, till on the 
morning of the trial, at the king's arms coftee-house, 
near Westminster hall. 

As soon as the ceremony of the introduction was 
over, the colonel then ventured to tell a little more of 
his case to Cor field ; — he informed him for the first 
time, of his baring taken me to the Martello towers, 
and having given me a sum of money* a fact, which he 
had before positively denied to him and his counsel, and 
which of course formed a strong feature of the brief 
Mr. Corfield, as may be supposed, was greatly sur- 
prised^ this circumstance, and putting a few ques- 
tions to Dodd, he soon found that their cause was hope- 
less. 

The major now expressed a wish that he might not 
be examined, but observed that he was subpoenaed 
on my side, though he hoped the service was not le- 
gal, as the subpoena had been given to him on a Sun- 
day. 

In order to secure Dodd from the danger of recei- 
ving another subpoena, till mr. Corfield consulted 
counsel upon the Legality of the service, he by the 
advice of colonel Wardle, went to the Bridge-street 
tavern, and locked himself up. The colonel and his 
solicitor then agreed, that if the counsel were of 
opinion the service was good, mr. C. would forward 
to him by M'Cullum, the following laconic note 
" Yes, send him !" which accordingly was forwarded 
in a few minutes. The trial had now commenced, 
and in order to satisfy the impatience of his client, he 
communicated the heads of my evidence to him, to 
which he replied by note, through the medium of the 
above messenger, that Dodd could not contradict 
me, and after mr. Corfield had shewn his note to mr. 
Parke, he went and consulted col. Wardle upon the 
propriety of calling his witnesses, and the colonel left 



( 116 ) 

it entirely to the discretion of his counsel. If I have 
mistated any thing in which mr. Corfield was con- 
cerned, he is able to refute it and reduce the value of 
my narrative, but I am sure he is too much a man 
of honor to advance a falsehood, and therefore I think, 
he cannot deny these facts. 

If I were disposed to dilate upon the manner in 
which the colonel defended this action, there is an 
ample space to exhibit him for the sport and deris- 
ion of the public; but I shall not trespass upon the 
time of my reader by travelling over a beaten path, 
particularly as the subject came under my notice, in 
my address to the people of the United Kingdom, 
as given in another part of this work, in answer to 
his appeal to the public. 

It therefore will be sufficient for me to state here, 
that mr. Wright obtained a verdict, leaving it to nrr. 
Lowten to deduct from the bill of £1919 14 2, the 
£500, paid by the bill of Illingworth, the £200, for 
goods sent to Westborne place on hire, previous to col- 
onel Wardle's going to mr. Wright ; the coals, insu- 
rance, carpenters, painters, bricklayers, and iron mon- 
ger's bills allowing only for the articles of upholstery, 
at the sum of £K>95 8 5. 

I do not mean to quarrel, with the propriety of this 
decision, but I cannot forego the opportunity I now 
have of observing, that as mr. Wright furnished the 
ironmongery, and paid for all the other things, at the 
request of colonel Wardle he ought not to have been a. 
loser of the extra charge, merely because they were 
not articles out of his own warehouse. 

Amidst all those curious acts which may have mar- 
ked the colonel's career through life, and disturbed 
the tranquility of his midnight repose, either in ire- 
land or England,, none ever shook his peaceful slum- 
bers so severely as the loss of his cause, and its conse- 
quent exposure; and as it rendered sleep that night a 
stranger to his eye-lids, he rose in a violent rage from 
kb downy pillow early the next morning, to dispatch* 



( nr ) 

Ms servant with a note to mr. Corfield, requesting his 
immediate attendance and advice, who anticipating 
his client's dreadful state of mind, hastened to him. 
When mr. Corfield entered the room, he found the 
poor Patriot, with a newspaper in his hand, pacing 
his chamber backwards and forwards, like a maniac, 
first throwing it down, then picking it up and reading 
with violent emotion, a few lines of the history of his 
oxen folly. After his solicitor thought he had ex- 
hausted his paroxysm of rage, he endeavored to soothe 
his agitation, when he again took up the paper, aud 
casting his eye over the auful page, he burst out, " here 
the b — h has perjured herself — here we have her!" 
then taking his pen, he underlined the words or pas- 
sages, which to his inflamed understanding, appeared 
to constitute perjury. — On the supposed discovery of 
my having perjured myself] he, mad-man-like, display- 
ed all the transitions of insanity, and now amused 
rnr. Corfield by jumping round the room with expres- 
sions of joy ! mr. Corfield again entreated him to be 
calm, and taking the newspaper out of his hands, be- 
gan at his desire to minute down what he was pleased 
to call perjuries, when the colonel again jumped up, 
#nd said — " Corfield, I must do something to stop th% 
peoples mouths; — take a sleet of paper and write* The 
colonel then dictated several lines, read them, tore 
them in pieces — began again, was again dissatisfied ; 
dictated a third and fourth time, and was not yet pleased. 
At last Corfield drew up an address that met with his ap- 
probation, of which mrs. Wardle made one copy, and 
mr. C. the other, for immediate insertion in different 
papers ; but he observed t© the colonel, that it would 
be prudent not to insinuate any thing to the preju- 
dice of his counsel, till he had seen the slip of paper 
he himself had sent into court, which mr. Corrield as- 
sured him, forbad mr. Serjeant Best and mr. Park 
from calling major Dodd as a witness, and he then 
left the mad patriot for his own dwelling, in order to 
search for the slip of paper, the purport of which, the 



( ns ) 

colonel bad either forgotten, or did not then find it 
convenient to recollect. This slip of paper, I have un- 
derstood, was never found, and I need not inform the 
reader, that the colonel rashly carried his determina- 
tion of publishing, into effect, for, on the second day 
after the trial, he had the courage, or rather madness, 
to publish the following address : — 

To the people of the United kingdom. 

" Honored as my parliamentary conduct has 
been by the approbation of so many of my country- 
men, I feel myself called upon, inconsequence of an 
event that yesterday took place, immediately to ad- 
dress you, and that in vindication of my character, 
rendered open to attack from the verdict of the Jury, 
upon the evidence of mrs; Clarke and nir. Wright, 
the brother of the upholsterer, in a cause in which I 
was defendant, in the court of king's bench. The de- 
tail of the evidence the public prints will afford. It is 
with me to state, that my counsel, satisfied in their 
own minds that the jury would not, upon such testi- 
mony as bad been given by the plain tiff's brother and 
mrs. Clarke, alone, find a verdict against me, did not 
comply xoith ray earnest entreaty (repeated to them in 
writing during the trial, in the strongest terms,) that 
major Dodd, mr. Glennie, and other respectable 
witnesses, subpoenaed by the plain ti^ and myself, 
might be examined, as I knew their testimony would 
he founded in truth, and be in direct contradiction to 
what had been twofn against me. Under such cir- 
cumstances, the virdict was obtained, — There only 
remains for me now, before my god and my coun- 
try, to declare, that it was obtained by Perjury alone-, 
ami I do pledge myself to prove that fact, the earli- 
est moment the forms of the law will allow me to do 
so. Anxiously, therefore, do I look forward to that 
period ; and I trust that till then, the public will sus- 
pend their judgment upon the case. 



( HO ) 

4 i With sentiments of the deepest gratitude and res-* 
pect } I remain your ever faithfully devoted servant, 

"G. L. Wardle." 
u James-street, July 4." 

At first I thought of treating the above stuff with 
contempt , but rinding that every species of villainy 
was employed to poison the public mind against me, 
and the integrity of mr. Wright, I published the fol- 
lowing address in the National Register, on the l6th 
of the same month; 

MRS. CLARKE 

To the people of the United Kingdom. 

(c Honored as m} 7 testimony before the house 
of commons has been with the confidence of the 
country at large, and sanctioned as my evidence has 
been in a recent instance, by a jury of my country- 
men, I feel myself called upon (after affording 
time for the most deliberate reflection,) to address 
you, in consequence of a circumstance, which has 
Arisen out of the cause, in which mr. Wright, an up- 
holsterer, was plaintiff; colonel Wardle defendant; 
and mr. Daniel Wright, brother of the plaintiff, and 
myself were witnesses. In this cause it is well known, 
that colonel Wardje was cast, to the satisfaction of 
every honest tradesman, and indeed of every body in 
the court. The detail of evidence the public prints 
will afford; as far as regards my testimony, these de- 
tails are somewhat inaccurate, but they are sufficient- 
ly correct to have enabled the public to strengthen 
this verdict, with an almost universal approbation. 
Colonel Wardle, inflated by a popularity, the extent 
of which was ?s unexpected as it will be found to have 
been undeserved, had vainly flattered himself, that this 
same popularity would protect him against the jus- 



( 12* ) 

tice of his country: disappointed at the verdict, he 
has lost his prudence with his temper, and without 
giving himself time for reflection, has made an un- 
usual Appeal to the people of the United Kingdom, 
against the verdict of a jury. 

" As an excuse for this almost unprecedented cir- 
cumstance, he has stated that his counsel, notwith- 
standing his earnest entreaty, repeated to them in wri- 
ting during the trial in the strongest terms, did not 
comply with his request to examine major Dodd, mr. 
Glennie, and others. However he may vapor about 
these witnesses out of court, even colonel Wardle 
will hesitate, before he ventures to subject them to 
an examination upon oath, whilst the written docu- 
ments exist which will inculpate more exalted persons, 
and shake the very foundations of his own ephemeral 
popularity. Colonel Wardle is not ignorant of 
the reasons which ma^ have induced the suppression 
of the written testimony that would have undeniably 
corroborated my evidence; colonel Wardle knows 
that mr. Wright's servants, as well as others, can 
prove every syllable that I have sworn; colonel War- 
dle has been too full of himself, and too imprudent 
not to have made many unnecessary .confidants of 
his intentions and promises. I dare say the evidence 
of major Dodd and mr. Glennie, would have been 
founded in truth,* it would therefore have been mad- 
ness in colonel Wardle to have examined them, and 
he knows this ; major Dodd heard my evidence, he 
could have contradicted me upon the spot, if I had 
been wrong, and is there any reason to suppose that 
he would have had any scruple to have sworn to the 
truth, if that truth could have contradicted me ? Is 
any one such a fool to believe that ? But in this case 



* At this time I had no idea that major Dodd and mr. Glennie 
would ever have mustered up sufficient courage to face a court 
and jury in support of a falsehood; but time has proved, how 
deceived I have been with respect to the character of these men. 



x m 9 

thefnajor must have spoken the whole truth, and Ber- 
thing but the truth. As the attorney general said, 
his presence, or his absence, equally supported mrv 
Wright's case. 

" I do not pretend to know any thing about law, 
but f believe I know what is common sense; which I 
think is more than colonel Wardle appears to know. 
If he had been content to throw the blame of his 
failure upon his counsel, it would have been no busi- 
ness of mine, they are able to defend themselves ; 
but to be charged with a crime so disgraceful, so low, 
so contemptible, and by a person, who ot all men, 
best knows how abhorrent my nature is from any- 
thing like falsehood ; to be charged, I say, with per- 
jury, by colonel Wardle, is really too bad. I under- 
stand great stress has been laid by colonel Wardle, 
and some of his pariizans, upon a letter which I 
wrote to him in the month of May last, upon the 
subject of the engagements and promises mane to 
me prior to the investigation, and iiiis letter is said 
to have occasioned his determination not to see itfe 
any more. 

4 < Why! colonel Wardle called the same day after 
he had received the letter, and I would not see him, 
being determined to have no further communication 
tvith him except in writing. — Colonel Wardle will re- 
collect the conversation he had with my servant, up- 
on the subject of this letter, and the appointment he 
made with her, to meet him at seven o'clock that 
evening, at the chapel door, fortunately, I have a 
copy of that letter,* and so little am I disposed to 
ronceal any thing I may have either said or written, 
that if this intimation does not compel colonel War- 
dle to do me the justice of giving this letter to the 
public, and no longer to shelter his unmanly insinus- 



* Se£ the letter, p. 37, of this volume. 

L 



< 122 ) 

• ions, under the cloak of delicacy, I will my self pub- 
lish it in the newspapers. 

11 It only remains for me to declare before God 
and my country, that the evidence 1 gave was strict- 
ly true, and that my intimacy with colonel Wardle 
merely related to my evidence and his promises, most 
anxiously therefore do I look torward to the period 
when the futility ol colonel Wardle's attempts to 
prove the contrary to be the fact, will recoil upon him- 
self and others, and only strengthen the claims which 
I have to the public confidence in my veracity. I trust 
that till then the public will suspend their judgment 
upon colonel Wardle's intemperate accusation. Al- 
though it may not be equally proper in me, as in col- 
onel Wardle, to state the gratitude and respect 
I leel for the public apphobation, yet 1 hope it 
is not denied even unto me, to express the anguish of 
mind I should endure, it upon such an occasion, and 
in such a manner I had really deserved their dis- 
approbation. 

I have the honor to be, 

With the greatest respect, 

M. A. Clarke." 

<< JVestborne Place, July 15, 1809." 

Mr. Wright finding that every engine which party 
?nalice could bring into use, was at work to drown 
him in the pit of public censure, thought it necessary 
to submit his case to the town, but as it is very long 
and now of no novelty to the public, I shall omit its 
insertion here, wishing to trespass on the patience 
of the reader as little as possible with old matter. 

I entreat my reader to bear in mind, that my work 
opens with an account of sir R. Phillips having been 
the means oi exposing ray plan of supposed conceal- 



( 123 ) 

teentat Hampstead, or at least of giving M'Cullurn 
the clue, where there was a probability of hearing 
from me. I also wish it to be recollected that he is 
alluded to in colonel Warclle's letter* to mr, Glen- 
nic, ami mentioned aUo by him to Wright at West- 
borne Place. In fact, there is good grounds for sus- 
picion, that he is privattly entangled in all Wardle's 
political affairs. 

The reader's remembrance of these facts will be 
necessary to the full developement of his late infft- 
movs conduct to me — and though sir Richard denies 
his having a knowledge of colonel Wardle, so far 
brick as the investigation; there are many persons 
beside the attorney-general who are satisfied that the 
jjit has a very convenient memory ! 
In order to satisfy the reader that I have good rea- 
son to believe my statement is not erroneous, I will 
proceed a little upon this part of the subject. — Mr. 
Wright says,, in his address to the public — 

" After considering a little time,, the colonel said^ 
' there is some little difficulty about giving this biil, 
mr. Wright, because the business which is coming on. 
before the hou^e of common^, which no doubt you 
have heard of, makes it a very delicate matter for me 
to put my own hand to paper, because it may frus- 
trate our purpose ;' The colonel continued, ' / mil. 
go down to sir Richard Phillips to-morrow morning* 
and he and some one else will give you their bill, zdtnvut 
my name appearing, and you may depend on bearing 
from me in the afternoon, or next day morning with- 
out 'fail." 

At that time sir R. Phillips was not known to mr. 
'Wright in any way whatever, and it is therefore not 
probable, that the name of a stranger should all at 
once come into the head of my upholsterer, who has 
since assured nte, that he scarcely knew there was 

~" ' " * See p. 48... : "" ~ . 



( 124 ) 

such an amiable and patriotic creature in existence, as- 
the bookseller of Bridge-street. 

When sir Richard read mr. Wright's address, he 
thought it political to send the following letter to the 
M&rning Post, for reasons I shall presently assign. 

S To the editor of the Morning Post, 

" Sra, 

<c I feel it due to myself to notice the unaccountable 
introduction of my name into a report published in 
your paper of yesterday, by mr. Francis Wright, rel- 
ative to his alledged conversations with mr. Wardle. 
Kever having seen mr. Wardle at the period alluded io y 
xior held any communication with that gentleman, ife 
must be evident that I could be no party with him in 
the negotiation described by mr. Wright. Under the 
existing circumstances, however, 1 feel it proper to 
declare, that I had not the slightest knowledge of 
any transaction between mr. Wardle and mr. Wright, 
till I read m the newspapers the report of the x late 
trial. 

u As I am induced to make this statement solely 
from respect to public opinion, I am exceedingly anx- 
ious not to be considered as insinuating any thing in 
spirit, or in terms, to the prejudice of either 
t.u>ty, with reference to the questions in dispute. 

I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 

E. Phillies..-' 

Bridge-stfeet, July 2&.. 

Before I reflect on the sentiments of thisr letter, I 
must be allowed to bring a few facts under the eye of 
my reader, which will shew that 1 have not honored 
the knight with a niche in this work undeservedly* 



125 ) 

The reader is requested to keep in mind that 
M'Cullum came from sir Richard Phillips to me in 
.the month of November, 1 SOS, consequently it will 
'be difficult to make any one believe, that sir Richard 
would unnecessarily expose my place of seclusion with- 
out knowing something of the errand upon which he- 
was sending M'Cullum ; unless indeed the reader 
should be disposed to think, he had no feeling for the 
safety of an unprotected woman, who was concealing 
herself, as he knew, from the fangs of the ta<w, with 
thi*ee children to protect ! 

I am not disposed to attach much credit to t he- 
tender feelings of the knight, but in this ca^e I verily 
believe he did not wish me arrested, and that he knew 
M'Cullum's motive for endeavoring to find me out, 
Though this may be considered an unsupported opin- 
ion, I doubt not when I couple circumstances and 
facts together, the reader will not close this work a 
sceptic upon the subject. 

When colonel Wardle mentioned the name of sir 
R. Phillips to mr. Wright, at West borne place, arid 
also in his letter to Glennie, in the latter part of De- 
cember, I then had not applied to sir Richard or any 
other person, with respect to the publishing a book, 
not having thought of becoming an author till the lat- 
ter end ot February, as I have before assured the 
public. 

1 his important fact will- therefore shew, that colo- 
nel Wardle must have had something more than a 
mere know. edg&of sir Richard at this ear'y period of 
our acquaintance, otherwise he never could haw talk- 
ed i^i that familiar wa\ot' negotiating money matters 
with a perfect stronger ! In support of this position,. 
let us see what he says in his evidence in the court of 
kittg's bench, on my. trial for conspiracy. 

On the attorney-genera! asking, or rather leading. 
thp colonel to the £.500 which Wright pressed nim 
/or, he gives the following evidence •-— 

X'Jt 



( 126 ) 

Colonel W'ardle* — " Either on that day or the day 
Allowing (for I had one or two applications pressed 
upon me,) I said, she could raise the money herself by 
application to a bookseller, who I dared say, would ad- 
vance to her, on the book that she was about to pub- 
lish. 

Q. " Then, you did not comply with the requesfc- 
so made ? 

A. » i did not. 

Q. " Had you a subsequent application of the 
iame kind, made by mrs. Clarke to you? 

A. " She pressed me very frequently on the same 
point. 

Q. " In consequence of these frequent applications, 
what was done ? 

A. " I at last spoke to nu\ Glennie, and asked him 
if he could assist her, I was aware he kxew sir 
Richard Phillips, and whether he could procure a 
loan of .€500 for mrs. Clarke; upon her work." 

Here the reader is able to see puss half out of the 
bag, by colonel W&rdle s confession ofmr. Glennie I c~ 
Jug acquainted IvUksir Richard Phillips ; and though 
I may get scratched m dragging old Tom quite before 
the public, I am determined to shew all his black spots, 
that he may be known by every one. If he should 
squeak before 1 get to the end of the tale, the reader 
will see the necessity oi my f inching him very tightly, 
lest an animal of the iiger species should slip beiueen 
my fingers, and thus the future peace and happiness 
of many, again come within the reach of his deadly 
talons ! 

Having positively denied my having any book to 
iell at this time, I shall now proceed to convince the 
•reader, that, if (as the colonel says J I had wanted mo- 

* See p. ^7, yt* Tipper's edition «f my Inai-ior -Cumpiraej;, 



( i*7 ) 

ney on my book, I could have raided immediately, 

FIFTEEN HUNDRED 01* T\\ O THOUS A N D PdUK DS ! 

Mr. Gillet, the printer, who, though not exactly in 
my interest now, from not printing and publishing 
this work with him, wiit not, 1 think, venture to deny, 
but that he would have advanced me the above sv m on 
the book which lie afterwards had or me to print ; and 
therefore, if my book had been in existence at the pe- 
riod to which colonel Wardle alludes, I might have 
got any money 1 wanted, on my own account. 

Had my book then been ready to raise money upon, 
it was not likely / should have pledged it tor the very- 
persons who had undertaken to pay for my furniture, ,- 
and for which they were then distressed to raise this 
five hundred pounds to satisfy Wright, as part of his 
bill. Where would have been their friendship to me, 
if after their promises and agreement to furnish my 
house, I had gone to a bookseller and raised money to 
pay their debts? But the fact is, the virtuous 
patriot thought the book would do as well as any- 
thing else to make a story about , and so he, fortunately 
for me, caught at a rotten bough to assist him over 
the Rubicon, in which he has emerged with such vices 
upon his head, that all the waters of the deep can 
never wash away! In order to convince the reader 
that my book had nothing to do with the £500 they 
wanted to raise through the bookseller, and which 
sum they afterwards got. of a money-lender in Poland- 
street, who is much in the pecuniary secrets of colo- 
nel Wardle : — I will go a little into the history of that 
work. 

About the middle or near the latter end of Febru- 
ary, 1809, major Dodd, colonel Wardle, and mr. 
Giennie suggested to me the po.icy of doing every pos- 
sible injury 1 could to several of Xhe first personages in 
the state. Accordingly major Dodd began the xiorh, 
in which I soon made great progress, through the 
zealous assistance of this party. 

The reader will not, I am sure ; feel surprised to 



128- ) 

hear that sir Richard was recommended as being, what 
Wardle and Glennie called a dashing bookseller, accord- 
ingly I repaired to Bridge-street, to consult with the 
knight, who expressed a great desire to purchase of wc 
the copy right of the work — a fact, which he has since 
had the imprudence to deny in his affidavit, which 
will presently engross my attention. — Finding that he 
eould not get my book into his own entire possession, 
he declined becoming the mere vender, but said, 
* There is a mr. Gillet, who is about to become a 
publisher, in consequence of his having felt himself 
ill-treated by a bookseller, I believe of the name of 
Mawman> m the Poultry, that will jump to begin 
busi7icss with your book, and 1 can assure vou, 
madam, he is an honest man, and will do you jus- 
tice." — At this time, 1 believe, mr. Gillet came in 
by accident, to whom I immediately promised the 
printing and publishing of the work. Mr. Giilet 
had not long been in possession of part of the manu- 
script, before he received orders for several thousand 
copies ot the work, and l think he will not venture 
to deny what ht has repeatedly told to others; name- 
ly, that the first edition, which contained tea or 
twelve thousand books, would not have supplied the 
pubic demand beyond a week. I have thought myself 
justified in giving these tacts to shew, that if I had 
wanted £500 of mr. Giiler, I could have go f that, or , 
a larger sum. 

Having come a little closer to the facts of the ca.se r 
the reader must now be satisfied that L-could .not want 
money of sir Richard, who had nothing further to do 
with my book, beyond that of being officious, and 
filling the papers with his lore of notoriety ! 

As it was not likely I should attempt to raise money • 
for persons who had affected to have the command of 
thousands to reward me for my services, colonel War- 
die's declaration about the bookseller's supposed $ts- • 
'position xind ability oi affording me pecuniary gwib't- 



( 1*9 > 

aiice, must now go for rerj/ Utile with those who will 
take the trouble to reflect upon the subject. 

The reader is now in possession of a tact of Glen- 
nie's acquaintance with sir Richard, which goes a 
great way to corroborate my declaration, that coL 
Wirdle and the dashing bookseller, pt irately understood 
each other before, and during the investigation ! 

Before my application was made to sir Richard, 
with respect to the suppression of my memoirs, he 
introduced to me a m?. Sullivan, of Maidstone, ii* 
Kent, who, I have understood, is a sort of hawker of 
books for him, and who, I since have been told, was 
snOorned as a witness against me. 

By the perusal of his first letter to roe, it may be- 
seen that sir Richard was anxious to have the book 
out, and quite interested in the War die cause — I wish 
the reader to keep this circumstance in memory ' 

" Madam, 

"It appears to me that it will be a fair 
price, for mr. Sullivan to pay you four shillings and 
threepence per copy, for one thousand copies of_thc 
portrait and a facsimile, with liberty to print as ma- 
ny books in Dublin., 

" The irish will not pay as high a price as the eng^ 
lish, except for fifty or one hundred copies, and I 
conceive you will by this arrangement with Sullivan, 
vet more than by any other means. If you sell two 
thousand in this manner, the irish sale will put four 
hundred guineas into your pocket. 

" I- regret, on your account, to find that Gillet is 
not making a progress. The tide is now at the 
?lood, and taken at this moment, will lead to for- 
tune. At all times, delays are dangerous, and to 
enhance my string of proverbs, you should strike- 
while the iron is hot. Ascribe this, prompting to the 
;?eal, with which I am your friend, 

"R. PHii^irV 5 

" bridge- street, 
March 24, ISO*)." 



k IM ). 

It is absolutely necessary for me to g© a little fav 
t.her with respect to the memoirs which mr Giilet 
was printing, in order to explain my slight acquain- 
tance with sir Richard, and the political use he en- 
deavored to make of me ! 

Earl Moira, who has long been distinguished for all 
the great qualities, that can dignity the head and heart 
of man, felt anxious that those letters should not 
meet the public eye which were written in confidence, 
and perhaps at moments when the min'd is not arm- 
ed with prudence and philosophy. — Hi* lordship 
therefore expressed a wish to be able to restore them 
to the hands of the writer — and. if possible, to heal 
the wound which the Wardle pai ly were endeavoring 
So keep open between me and my late royal friend.. 
Accordingly, a gentleman some time known to earl 
Moira, undertook to find out the. best channel by 
which he could bring about the object of his lord- 
ship's friendly disposition ; and believing, that sir 11. 
Phillips (trom ihe private report ot the moment) had 
purchased my book, and for political reasons, got mr. 
Giilet to become the publisher of it — -he waited on 
the knight, and cautiously led him to the subject of 
myself and the memoirs. 

Sir Richard felt pleased at the introduction of a to- 
pic, which afforded an opportunity to talk of him- 
self; he therefore joyfull) entered upon a history of 
me and my book, and though he did not say it was 
his property, he insinuated thjat he had an influence 
over me, and the managtrnent of the publication, His 
visitor was therefore induced to believe, that he had 
come to the proper person, with whom he might fairly 
go a little further into the subject, and he according- 
ly asked the knight, whether there was any probabil- 
ity of suppressing the work, if he carried into effect 
aji the duke's promises, besides advancing some rea- 
dy money for my immediate exigencies. Sir Richard., 
afoT pausing a few minutes, said, he did not doubt 
but I should be satisfied with my annuity, oj Jov£ 



\ 131 ) 

hundred a year, and about two or three thousand 
pounds to liquidate a variety of demands, that might, 
under such circumstances, be made on me. 

It may here be necessary to shew, from the subse- 
quent conduct of the knight, that in consequence of 
this application, he instantly became alive to a new in- 
terest. He calculated upon the probability of my 
withdrawing my publication, which, if done through 
his influence and exertions he might accomplish the 
possession of an additional honor, or some advantage, 
which colonel VVardle could not bestow on him, and 
in a few hours after his letter to me, he became im- 
pressed with very loyal sentiments, as will be present- 
ly seen by his other affectionate epistles to the woman, 
whom he has since endeavored to swear into a pil- 
lory ! II 

Having shewn how soon this patriotic bookseller 
could turn his coat> I shall proceed with my narra- 
tive : — 

After a conversation of some length upon my af- 
fairs, the gentleman agreed (under an impression, that 
the knight had power oxer my work, as he had pro- 
fe^ed) to give to me the above sum and secure the 
annuity, as had been before promised, when after an 
appointment to meet in the evening, he left him, in 
order to communicate to earl Moira the result of his 
visit to Bridge-street, 

Sir Richard, anxious to learn from whom his visi- 
tor camv, dispatched one of his servants, as he aiter- 
wards told me, for that purpose, by which means he 
soon learnt that earl Moira had handsomely interest- 
ed himself, to -prevent the publication of the duke's 
letters. Sir-Richard now thought that he should car- 
ry every thing before him, and that he should be able, 
by the suavity of his manners ; — thv grace and irresis- 
tib e powers ot his address— and his method ot concili- 
ating an angry female, from his great knowledge of 
the human character, to carr\ his poiriuwifh me, and 
thereby became something between a baronet and a 



< 132 ) 

chancellor of the exchequer ! — He accordingly wrote 
to the noble earl, projtssing his influence over me, 
and tendering his good offices in the affair. 

Not having received an immediate answer to his 
letter, I understood he followed it by one or two more 
upon the subject, which earl Moira thinking, I sup- 
p- st3, not a proper one for an epistolary correspon- 
dence, did not answer. 

When the same gentleman called in the evening, 
Sir Richard was gene to his brother-in-law, in st. 
Paul's church-yard, whither he followed him, and as 
the knight drd not like to act, without the opinion of 
his relation, the negociator was obliged to submit, 
against his inclination, to the introduction of a third 
person. Sir Richard then took upon himself to ar- 
range the business, with as much seriousness as if he 
had really possessed a property in the book, or an in- 
fluence over me, neither or which was the case, and 
objected to the sum of money settled upon in the 
morning, but agreed to close at the payment (I be- 
lieve) of four thousand pounds and the annuity, 
which, as the negociator could not make better terms* 
he agreed to give, when the knight made him commit 
the same to paper, in order to assure me of what he 
iad accomplished for my welfare. 

They now agreed to meet on the next forenoon, at 
-a bookseller's in Bond-street, in order that sir Richard 
should introduce him to me, but as 1 have been in- 
formed, the knight did not keep his appointment, but 
went to earl Moira, to get the business entirely into 
Jiis own hands ! — The gentleman's patience being ex- 
hausted, he left Bond-street, and going towards st. 
James's-place, he met Phillips coming out of earl 
Jkloira's house, boasting that he was allowed to en- 

7 o 

large the sum* and accordingly they immediately 
drove to Westborne place, when sir Richard request- 
ex] his companion to allow him a few minutes private 
conversation with me. — After sir Richard had been 
wkh jae about tea nuaute9 or a quarter of an hour, 



( 133 ) 

I felt anxious to see the ostensible negotiator, and he 
immediately came up, and when the business was 
canvassed, he found that sir Richard had neither a 
property nor any kind or influence over the management 
of the work. Thinking at this lime that Waidie and 
his party would do all they had promised, and stimu- 
lated by one or the other of them to publish my bock, 
I treated the overtures now made to me with neglect, 
and observed in very strong terms to my visitors that 
I should derive more advantage irom publishing, 
than they offered for suppressing the work, which de- 
claration will account for a very extraordinary letter 
I am about to introduce to the notice of the reader, 
which sir Kichard sent to me on the same evening, 
and in which, he calls his friend Wardle, a traitor ! ! ! 

Belore I come to this letter, I must intorm the 
reader that the gross and indelicate language of this 
vain man, so disgusted me, that 1 made up my mind 
to get rid of him as fast as I could, but before he 
went, he tried to convince me of his ability J or nego- 
cianng) and among a variety of his silly remarks, he 
said, that it he were sent to Paris as an ambassador, 
he would not come away without making a peace ; — 
the gratification of this compliment to himself, I im- 
mediately destroyed, by observing, that I was sure he 
would not come away without making a piece of work t 
bui as lor conciliating nations or parties, his present 
conduct to me, proved his total want of every neces- 
sary requisite for su ch an office I If, however, the le- 
gislature should ever see the necessity of creating a 
new officer, and appointing a person to enforce the 
removal ot putrid vegetables out of the public markets, 
in order to prevent epidemic diseases, I shall certain- 
ly recommend him as a most excellent overseer of 
cabbage !* 

Sir Richard finding that no business Was to be 



The knight's usual/cod. 

M 



( 134 ) 

'Joncj and his companion surprised that he had been 
deceived with respect to his professed influence at 
YVcstborne place, they left me, and as the knight 
went down stairs first, his friend asked permission to 
see me in the evening, which, as I gave my assent to, 
he came alone, when he apologized ) or the language 
of sir Richard, and commenced a negociation, with 
which sir Richard had nothing further to do, and which 
he ifl the course of ten days completed to the satis- 
faction I believe of all parties, and then turned the 
agreement over to the professional gentlemen, ap- 
pointed to carry it into legal effect. 

In order that nothing should intervene and embar- 
rass the negociation, we agreed, that if sir Ricbard 
forced himself upon we the next day* or at any time, 
all that might bfe said should go for nothing — so de- 
termined ^ as I not to commit my affairs with a, person 
whose vanity inducer* him to publish every thiny, (hat 
had been entrusted to him, either in his counting- 
house or the public prints ! 

I thrnk the following letter will place his character 
"beyond doubt or suspicion. — No one, after reading 
It, will say u why I do not know ; but I hardly think 
sir Richard is so bad — 1 believe he is a weak man, 
but surely he is not quite so dirty as Mrs. Clarke 
says!" 

Here the reader will sec that he calis the very man 
a traitor, whose principles he admired, and with 
whom he was secretly acting, but forsook under the 
hopes of becoming at least a b a rone i , he then abu- 
ses his friend, and tries to carry a point with me, to 
further his own private views! 

Ji Dear Madam, 

" You are misled and infatuated ! Let the friend 
you speak of, do for you that which I proposed, and 
then he will have a title to your confidence. I dare 
him to do it, and if ho will. I will give him credit;; 



( 135 ) 

ho is otherwise a TRAITOR to your WELFARE ar/d 
interest. It w imMANTic and quixotic in the 

EXTREME tO TALK ofthe PUBLIC ! I will not (ICCept 

or make lue of your negative, till 1 have seen \ou in 
the morning, I can make no further communication 
to the liberal and noble person* who have honored me 
with their confidence. 

" Grace and repentance, till I see you in the 
morning, and believe me till then, sincerely your 
friend,; 

"11. PniLLirs." 

-• Budge-street, March 30, 1S0<>." 

Sir Richard says in this letter, that it is roman- 
tic and quixotic in tbe extreme to tail: of the pub" 
lie ! — Mere we see a little into the prkate and real 
sentiments of a modern patriot, who affects to feel for 
the public misfortunes, but in his heart is a complete 
coriolaxus, without either his dignity, courage, or 
talents: — What ! despise that very public, by vch-om 
lie has been raised from a little english school-master 
at Leicester, to the shrievalty of the first city in the 
world ! — What, treat with contempt that public, to 
which he has been so often appealing for its admira- 
tion and good opinion, and for whom he wrote a book, 
to induce the people of England to believe, that he 
was a man of humanity* and felt keenly for those suf- 
ferings, he had stood forward to redress ! 

Am I not dreaming when i say all this of the pro- 
fesscd friend to the unfortunate debtor. — It surely 
cannot be the same sir Richard of whom 1 am speak- 
ing — and if dangerous hypocrisy — were not 
the common passion that animates a patriot's bosom* 
I would not believe my own eyes — but, alas 1 his let* 
ter is my evidence, and such evidence, that all the so- 
phistry of Bridge-street cannot destroy ! 

The other part of his letter, where bespeaks of his 
communication to the Tiberal and noble persons who 



< 136 ) 

Save honored him with their confidence, has since made 
na faugh exceedingly, when I understood how little 
he had to do with earl Moira upon the business, and 
that no other noble person ever saw him upon the sub- 
ject ; and prettily did he requite earl Moira's confi* 
d< ftce, by felling every person who called at his shop, 
al/ he knew of his embassy to me, in order to show 
that he was a man of greal consequence at the West 
end of the town! — It may be necessary to observe, 
that neither the gentleman who came witn sir Rich- 
ard nor myself, thought it prudent to get rid of him 
abruptly, as he might make an ill-natured exposure 
of the affair, which could not be kept too private; 
therefore it was settled that he should see sir Richard 
according to appointment, and come with him as be- 
fore. Accordingly on the following day, he and the 
knight came again, and after much insipid remark, 
sir R. expressed his surprise, that I would not accept 
his terms ; he then made some gross reflections upon me 
and ?ny children, which so affected my feeiiHgs that I 
had no longer any patience to bear his nonsense, but 
sent him away with scarcely the semblance of civil 
contempt. 

Finding that he stood no chance of accomplishing 
his object of his visit to me, he made up his mrwd to 
go with his companion to earl Moira, and resign the 
business of his embassy, into which he had forced 
himself for his own private views. This circumstance 
is confirmed by the last paragraph ot his third letter, 
which i am about to present to the notice of iiy 
reader. 

Earl Moira not being at home, sir Richard wrote 
a letter to him, in which he gave up h\s part of the 
negotiation, with some compliments to his companion; 
but as they were coming out of the house they met 
the earl at the door, in the act of bestowing his cha- 
rity on the distresses of the poor. They then return- 
ed with him to his library, and sir Richard took his 
final leave of the business. Though sir Richard has 



( w ) 

related this affair differently, aye, and swo r n to it, I 
am sure the reader will credit this account, when all 
the circumstances are within the knowledge of a no- 
bleman, who can confirm my statement ! 

Now i beg to introduce to the reader's presence, 
not the stern moralist and pat iot or Budge street, 
but Falstqjf in love ! I i whose affection, was heighten- 
ed in proportion to my scorn. 

" Dear Madam, 

" A day has passed without my seeing you 1 ! 
This is something novel, after three days occupied so 
entirely in your society and service ! 

u I hope all is for the best, and that you are better 
informed than I am. 1 shall, however never re- 
proach myself for the advice 1 have given. The only 
subject that would vex me, would be any idea on 
your part, that I was not promoting that which I sin- 
cerely believe to be your interest, as well as that ot the 
other parties. 

" Mr. Gillet will do justice to my sentiments respect- 
ing you in the whole affair, and will explain some mat- 
ters which have appeared mysterious. 

" I have washed my hands of the business, but stiil 
continue co interest myself in your welfare, and that 
of your children !" 

" I am very truly, &c. &c. 

" ft. P." 

i; Bridge-street, April 5, 1809." 

Who would suppose that after sir Richard had ta- 
ken leave of me in such affect ionatt term*, he would 
in a few months have gone about and endeavored ta 
subom various persons to swear me into a gaol and 
perhaps a pillory ? — He, who closes his loving epistle 
with these words — •* but shall continue to interest 
myself in your welfare, and that of your chihhen!" 
A swain so captivating as sir Richard, certainty might 
M 2 



( 138 ) 

be angry at my neglect, but neglect cannot warrant 
the line©* conduct which has since marked every sub* 
sequent action of this disappointed Adonis. — That he 
who is considered a fond husband, and a fond father 
should wantonly try to separate and deprive an un- 
protected mother of the means of supporting her in- 
fant offspring, appears monstrous — but not more mou- 
nt; ous than t^ie I — He too, who carries his domestic 
affection to such a romantic lengthy that I can scarce- 
ly take up a magazine, but I see little children -made- 
gods, and gods made little chidden I I — in fact, his 
whole existence is nothing but a puff ; and whether 
his inflation be from vegetables or vanity, I will not 
venture to determine, but his ascension in life, likt & 
balloon, is owing to the lightness of its air, and not its 
purify I 

A iter this kind, loving, and friendly letter, I now 
beg leave to show sir Richard Phillips again in his de- 
mocratic garment, which he had hung up to mildew 
upon his peg, M'Cullum, while he fancied & ray of 
royalty was playing about his head, like an April sun, 
that allures a man from his home, to send him back 
coid, wet, and disappointed ! 

After the trial of Wright's action, in July last, sir 
Richard publicly proclaimed his acquaintance with 
his old private friend, colonel VVardle, who, for about 
a week, be called a traitor , ; and then became as offi- 
cious to suborn evidence, and collect information use- 
ful to his friend's cause, as he had been before to 
serve the other side of the question \ Accordingly, 
sir Richard accompanied the colonel to Hampstead, 
for the express purpose of seeing mrs. Andrews, the 
person mentioned in the beginning of this work ; and 
as those persons are generally very civil who are in 
want of a favor, they did this respectable woman the 
honor to ask her into the carnage, in order to see 
what could be made oi any thing she might observe, 
in answer to their questions respecting the furnishing. 
ei my house at Westborne place, Mrs. A. very ho- 



( 139 ) 

nestly and very candidly told them, she knew nothing 
ot the matter; and as she in no way served the inter- 
est of the colonel, he did not include her among his 
ninety four -witnesses ! 

Sir Richard, not satisfied with the result of this in- 
terview, frequently wailed on mrs. Andrews, to in- 
duce her to get me up to Hampstead, that he might 
take me by surprize tor some political purpose ! and 
carried his politeness so far as to invite her to his 
house in London, a circumstance, that so great a man 
as the sheriff of London, would not have conde- 
scended to have done to a person in her station in life, 
if he had not then had the colonel* s cause sincerely at 
heart — J mean the same colonel Wardle, whom he 
called a traitor ! 

Sir Richard, zealous, though awkward in every thing 
he undertakes, did not like to reiax his services tor 
his dear colonel, and accordingly set every engine to 
work, for my destruction. Amidst a variety of ef- 
forts to keep a litte breath in the almost defunct god 
of the people, he had the impudence to write to lord 
Foikstone, entreating him to turn his mind to the pe- 
riod when my house was furnished, and *ee whether 
lie could recollect any of the private conversations, 
which had tor their object the payment of my furni- 
ture, and by whom f as his lordship's attention to this 
subject might be of infinite service to the colonel's 
cause. On the receipt ot this letter, lord Folkstone 
brought it to me, and as the reader may suspect from 
the oreceding pages, only laughed at the knight as a 
busy, meddling knave ! 

Hearing that sir Richard was moving heaven and 
earth to crush me, I expressed a wish to mr. Ogilvie, 
late army agent of Argy re-street, that he would wait 
on him, and endeavor to learn, if possible, his reason 
for becoming all at once an enemy to the person, 
whom he a short time before affected to admire and 
respect ! — Agreeably to iny desire, mr. O. paid the 
imrght a visits when he introduced my name as if b£ 



( 140 ) 

accident, and then observed, that he had heard of hrs 
having become a violent opponent to me ; sir Richard 
immediately called in two or three persons who hap- 
pened to be in the shop, and entered into a long nar- 
rative of the commencement and termination of his 
acquaintance with me, and then observed — " it was 
his wish, to let colonel Wardie slip out of the disgrace 
as quiet as possible, and afterwards to compromise with 
vie ! ! ! After a long and general conversation, mr. 
Ogilvie left sir Richard, who begged he would look in 
upon him again in a few days, as he would then speak 
with him iurther upon the subject. Mr. O. having 
occasion to go into the city, and prompted by curi- 
osity to hear how matters were going on in the ene- 
my's camp, made use of sir Richard's polite invitation, 
who was no doubt, also curious to pick out ot his 
visitor, the little idle stories of the day. At this time 
the knight was found less reserved and circumspect in 
his remarks, and alter mr. O. was seated, asked him 
to what political party he was most attached — when 
he informed sir Richard, that though not a violent po- 
litician, he mostly admired mr. Fox and his party. 
This reply appeared to electrify the knight, who in- 
stantly lost sight of all caution, and entered as freely 
into various subjects as if they had been on terms of 
intimacy for twenty years. Betore sir Richard brought 
about my business, he consulted mr. Ogilvie upon a 
scheme he had in contemplation, of establishing an 
office for receiving and paying the balance due to the 
representatives of deceased soldiers f and observed, that 
he thought a good deal might be done by agency and 
commission, in such a concern. Mr. Ogilvie informed 
sit Richard, that there was already something ot a 
similar nature in the war-office, in which a person col- 
lected and paid claimants ! After a great variety of 
miscellaneous remark, sir Richard commenced a vio- 
lent philippic against the duke of York and the govern- 
ment, for having published an official army list, which, 
kad destroyed his established zcorlc, and said, he be* 



( u» ) 

ijeved they had done it out of spite to his political 
opinions. Mr. Ogilvie observed, that as tar as be was 
Capable ot speaking upon the subject, he thought *ir 
Richard had greatly deceived hinisej. That he hud 
always understood that the reason government had 
for establishing an official army list, arose from all 
former publications ot that *ort having been so xenj 
if/correct ; and it was the continued complaints of me 
ai my that had given birth to the measure of which he 
so much complained f 

ThL explanation, however, did not appear satisfac- 
tory to sir Richard, who continued to observe, that 
he thought otherwise, and if the ministers would 
give him back the pubfication of that work (pray reader 
mark this J he would always be th eir friend ; 
— and though he should regret to come forward against 
mrs. Clarke, upon a point which colonel Wardie had 
pounced upon m one of their conversations with respect 
to her furniture, he must do so, as he had committed 
himself with the colonel ;— however, said sir Richard 
to mr. Ogilvie, " If ministers will give me 

BACK THE ARMY LIST, MY EVIDENCE MAY PER- 
HAPS be turned any way." — I leave sir Richard 
to reflect upon this fact, which a respectable 
man is ready to support by oath! 

I shall now proceed to consider sir Richard's affi- 
davit, which, contrary to custom, (but not the cus- 
tom of the knight) was published in all the daily pa- 
pers. —It is as complete a piece of perjury as ever in- 
sulted a british court : 

Affidavit of sir R. Phillips. 

u Sir Richard Phillips, of Bridge-street, Black- 
friars, in the city of London, knight, maketh oath 
and saith, that on or ab«»ut the 8th day of March last, 
this deponent was applied to by mrs. Mary Anne 
Clarke, of Westborne place, Chelsea, in the county 
t>f Middlesex* to publish her memoirs, and certain* 



( 1*2 , 

letters written to her by his royal highness the duke i 
York, which publication this dfpqn ekt declin ed 
to engage in. And this deponent further saith, 
that in the latter end of the same month of March, 
this deponent, under the opposition that lie was the 
proprietor. of the said book, was applied to by 

THE EARL OF MoiRA, AND AT HIS REQUEST 

OOMMEKCKD A Nf.GOCIATION WITH MRS. ClAKKE 

tor the suppression ot the stid book about to be 
pu blisht d by her as aforesaid. And tiiis deponent 
further saith, that in the course of the treaty 
for the publication ot the said book, the said Mary 
Anne Clarke assigned as a reason to this de- 
ponent lor MAKING THE MOST of the Said PUBLI- 
CATION, that she had two thousand pounds to 
pay to Francis Wright, the .plaintiff above 
named, for the furniture sent in by him to her house 
in Westborne place aforesaid. And when this depo- 
nent afterwards negociated with the said Mary 
Anne Clarke for the suppression of the said 
book, the said Mary Anne Clarke stated, that a 
sum of money must be given her for the payment 
of her debts; amongst the debts enumerated by her, 
she, the said Mary Anne Clarke, mentioned the 
debt so due from her to the said plaintiff as aforesaid." 

First, he insinuates that he declined to publish my 
book, and so he did, but only because I would not 
sell it to him ; and though he declined becoming the 
mere vender, he made himself as busy about it (as may 
be seen by his first letter) as if it belonged to him. 

Secondly, he swears that EarlMoira applied to him, 
and at his request he commenced a mgociation for the 
suppression of my book:— which the reader will see must 
be a gross perjury, as he forced himself upon that no- 
bleman under false pretences of influence over me ! and 
when he comes to that part which says / wanted two 
thousand pounds to pay mr. Francis Wright for my 
ftycni.ture> sir Richard only convinces me. that he is e*» 



( 1*3 ) 

^v.u to any THING ! and after this declaration, 
I should not be at cAi surprised to hear him swear that 
be was tin* (Jreat Mogul! 

it is \<i\ odd that Karl Moira is not acquainted 
'he latter -part oi this affidavit, who knew every 
: that was said in my house during the negotiation. 
— It is very strange that sir Richard should only hear 
me make such a declaration, though I did not see him 
alone at Westborne place* except for ten minutes, or a 
quarter of an hour ! 

it was very fortunate for sir Richard that Earl Moi- 
ra who, I believe, heard his evidence with astonishment, 
was not examined on my trial, or the eity ot London 
would have been soon ashamed oi one of its annual 
h onors ! 

When sir Richard gave his personal evidence in the 
<:ourt ot King's bench, he again perjured himself in 
these words. In answer to the counsel's question he 
says, "in the course of the conversation, the mention- 
ed particularly her obligation to pay Wright for furni- 
ture, amounting to 2000/. and was therefore anxious to 
seif her memoirs at the highest price. Some of the±c 
conversations were at his own house ^seme of them at West' 
borne-place." 

It is true that I endeavored to get as much as I 
could for my memoirs, but it is not true that sir Rich- 
ard conversed with me, upon the sale of the work, at 
ant/ other place than that of my own dwelling, as his 
own letters and the preceding remarks will show; 
consequently his declaration in the court, that "some 
of these conversations were at his own house" will prove 
M*e! 

It will be unnecessary to prove the fallacy of this 
evidence by observing that 1 never offered Xo sell my 
memoirs ; and, after an application was made to me 
to suppress them, I never saw sir Richard, in any 
other house but my own. 

•f the reader will turn his mind over these facts, I 
^r?i sure he will be .satisfied that the knight has not 



( 1*4 ) 

sat in the sheriff's box at the Old Parley von no- 
thing ! and instead ot wearing a sword by his side 
he ought to have worn a straw in his shoe ! 

As a recent trial in (he court of common pleas is 
of much service to my opinion of sir Richard Phillips 
I have given it a place in this work, as published in 
an evening paper, " the Globe." 

** LAW 1NTELLGENCE. 

"court of common pleas, Guildhall, May 25 

* MARTIN AND CO. V* SIR RICHARD PHILLIPS* 

" This was an action brought by the holders 
against the defendant, as acceptor of several bills of 
exchange to the amount ot 700/. 

u The plaintiffs are eminent bankers, the defendant 
is mr. Phillips, bookseller, late oi st. Paul's church- 
yard, but now ot Bridge-street. It appeared on the 
statement of the case, and from the evidence, that the 
bills of exchange in question were drawn by mr. Sul- 
livan, paper-maker and stationer, carrying on bus> 
ness in Cork, but resident, at their date, in London ; 
and that the same were accepted by the defendant, 
and afterwards indorsed by mr. Atkins, of Fins bury-' 
square. The bills were dishonored by sir R. Phillips, 
the acceptor ; and Sullivan, the drawer, became 
bankrupt. The plaintiffs ol course, pressed the de- 
fendant for payment ; but he resisted, on the ground 
that the bills were drawn upon Irish, not ehglijsh 
stamps, and consequently were illegal secupties.— 
This fact, evident on the face of the bills, was admit- 
ted by *be plaintiff; but it was sworn by mr. Thomp- 
son, a clerk of sir Richard Phillips, that the knigtit 
was present when the bills were drawn in London. 

" The Lord Chief Justice admitted that the law 
was with the defendant, while he reprobated i!n de- 
fence as dishonest and dishonorable* The counsel lor 



( «B ) 

{he plaintiffs acquiesced in the doctrine laid down by 
his lordship, and consoled themselves for their defeat] 
as the action had exposed the defendant, and snow 1 . 
ii i m in ins true co Lous. — Verdict ior the de- 
fendant." 

(he reader will be pleased to recollect, that the 
dates of sir Richard's letters are long after Illing- 
worth's bill, January 2, 1S0<), which follows the let- 
ter from colonel Wardle to trir. Glennie in Decem- 
ber ; I therefore hope I have shown Very Hearty that 
my book could have nothing to do wi h the £500 
which the colonel was to raise for me through sir 
Richard, as he promised to mr. Wright at YVestborne 
place, and which fact sir focfrard afterwards denies 
in his letter to the editor or the Morning Post. 

That link oi circumstances which I have given will, 
I trust, throw a new tight upon the characters and 
views of those men who may be patriots with a decei- 
ved ami infatuated party, but are only impostors when 
the veil is refit from on their guilty headb ! 

Some short time previous to any application being 
made to sir Richard with respect to the suppression 
of my memoirs, he introduced to me mr. Waithrmm, 
the patriotic linen draper, who expressed a wish that 
I would use my influence with sir Francis Burden and 
Urd Folkstone to dine with a small party of the same 
principles in the city. Accordingly i obtained their 
consent, and communicated the agreeable intelligence 
to him in a note which colonel Wardle delivered per- 
sonally to mr. Waithman, with whom he then con- 
sulted upon the subject of the dinner ; when it was 
thought that too much publicity could not be given 
to their intended festive day. Therefore a grand 
city teast was agreed upon, and brought about 
through my exertions and influence, at which the 
colonel employed his eloquence in eulogising the 
1; hastily of his mind and the purity of his principles 1 

This work will be very serviceable to many ot sir 
Rachard's authors, who now will tfe called into im- 
N 



( }0 ) 

mediate requisition to abuse me in his " Monthly 
Magazine," and in every other publication over w hich 
so great a patron of literature must have considera- 
ble nxfluence ; but as all that party malice could sug- 
gest has been said already to my- prejudice, and the 
respectable part of the public are still my friends, I 
shall only laugh at the crackers and squibs that may 
be thrown at me from Bridge-street. 

Sacred history somewhere says that "the L d 

chastiseth those whom he loveth ;" but though 1 am 
not interested by the same motive oi affection for sir 
Richard Phillips, 1 have, notwithstanding, bestowed a 
little wholesome correction on him, which I hope will 
work some good in the habits of his mind before he 
goes on an embassy to Paris; receives the honor of 
Baronet, which he told me, and others he expected ; 
or becomes president of a republican directory, ii the 
people of England should be so insane as to act upon 
the doctrines of men who ought to reform themselves 
before they rise, phcewx like, out of the ashes of 
Royalty ! 

I thought I had taken my leave of mr. lllingworth, 
but the lollowing note will confirm my statement in 
page 53 of this volume, where 1 inform the reader 
that this wine merchant was to send me in a few 
dozen of wine to disguise the money transaction be- 
tween Wright and vY ardje. 1 am now happy that I 
am enabled to support that position by the receipt of 
this document. 

" MRS. CLARKE, PUTNEY. 

" Mr. Illingworth's compliments to mrs. Clarke, 
has inclosed her bill for wine, the amount of which 
he will be much obliged to her for. 

« Pall Mall, Mai/ 4. 



( w ) 

85 ] 

Mrs. Clarke To R. S. Illingworth. 
1809. Feb. ?3. 3 doz. Port wine - - 56s 8 8 
3 doz. Madeira - * 5 gs. 15 15 

Bottles 1 1 

April 7. 1 doz. Port wine 2 16 



28 



I hope mr. Illingworth will firoceed against me im- 
mediately for the amount of his bill, and then 1 will 
bring major Dodd, colonel Wardle, and mr. Giennie 
again into court, where I may have the pleasure of 
seeing them ex/iosc themselves, and practise pe^jiry ! 
This is all the notice I mean to take of the wine, which 
c -donel VVariJle and his parly consumed in drinking 
destruction to the fluke ot York ami the ********* 

In a note * to the first part of this work, I promised 
the reader some account of his partnership with mr. 
Scott, the army clothier, of Cannon Row, Westmin- 
ster; I therefore now take the liberty of fulfilling 
that promise. The manufactory in which Wardle has 
a concern is at Tre Madock in Caernarvonshire, which 
is under the management of a person by the name of 
Barnet, and where the wool is prepared, and great 
coats manufactw ed for the army. 

My only motive for going into this subject is to 
show that the colonel employed his patriotic speech, in 
which he proposed to save the nation eleven millions 
a year, for the purpose of becoming army clothier to 
government; and, by reference to his first speech, it 
may be seen that he recommends his own articles, by 
the character he gives mr. Scott, his Partner ! ! ! 

" Army Clothing. 

** Colonel Wardle rose to call the attention of the 
house to the prodigal expenditure of the public mo- 



* See page 18, vol, 1. 



( US ) 

ney in the present system of clothing the army witk 
great coats. The war office, instead of acting < n rhe 
principle of open contract, as recommended and 
ordered by the treasury, persisted in private con- 
tracts; and the consequence was, that, though a 
great reduction had taken place in the materials of 
great coats, no reduction had taken place in the 
price. 

"In the year 1803, the secretary at war (mr. 
Yorke) consented to pay at the rate of l6s 6u for 
each great coat, but stipulated that, a reduction 
should take place if the price of kersey should fall. 
Kersey was then at 4s 6d a yard, and since continu- 
ed to fall till it came down to 3s 6d \ but no re- 
duction was made in the contracts till the present- 
year, nor would any have then been made, if it had 
not been for the continued offers forced on the war. 
office to furnish great coats at a less price than was 
actually paid. He made a variety of calculations 
on the prices at different periods, from which he as- 
sured there was a loss to the public of £23,000 ; he 
adverted particularly to a tender made by messrs, 
Scott, eminent army clothiers, to furnish these coats 
in 1806 at 14s £d, which would afford a saving of 
<£21,000 on every delivery. Not getting any an- 
swer, messrs. Scott looked for a share in the con- 
tract as made by the war office ; they obtained it, 
and paid at the rate of l6s 6d. This was an answer 
to any objection that could be made on the ground of 
supposed inferiority in Messrs. Scott's clothing."* 

I need not trespass on the patience of the reader 
by pursuing this speculator in wool with such reflec- 
tions as must suggest themselves to any one, from his 
having agitated the public mind and trifled with --the- 
house of commons merely to become a Government 
TAYLOR ! ! ! 

* See "The Patriot's Looking^? lass," which gives the whole; 
of his speech on saving the nation eleven millions a year! with 
mr. Haskisson's reply to it. 



< U9 ) 

If the reader will look over a mr. Farquh arson's 
pamphlet, he may be soon satisfied that the colonel 
has been dabbling in other speculations. With him, 
it appears, he had a concern in a gin distillery in the 
Island ot Jersey, and had great difficulty ot melting 
the colonel's thousand pound bond into cash, though 
the colonel was intimate with Jew King, ol whom, as 
1 before observed, 1 should again speak. 

When Jew King felt himseli in any way neglected, 
he used to write some of the most extraordinary 
letters that one man could possibly send to another ? 
and, in one of his irritable moments, he wrote a let- 
ter to the following effect, which is now in the pos- 
session or mr. Cortield. 

"Sin, 

" Remember it was I who first brought you 
into notice; it was 1, who obliged you, by setting the 
people against the duke of York ; it was 1 who gave 
you a consequence in the city through my paper ; it 
was 1 that raised you to your present glory; ana re- 
member, if you are ungrateful, much is within my 
power towards your ruin, &c. 

"J. King." 

Of what consequence must that man be to the hap- 
piness and liberty of a country whose character de- 
pend! on the good word of Mr. Jew King ! is a pro- 
blem not difficult ot solution ! 

Within these few years much uneasiness and jeal- 
ousy existed among those gentlemen ot the duke of 
Kent's establishment with respect to pamphlets that 
contained circumstances which no one could have 
known but those immediately about his royal person r 
and in his confidence; till it was discovered that 
major Dodd was the intimate friend "arid companion of 
mr. Thos. Hague, who is the literary organ of this*- 
pany ! ! ! 

In another part of this work 1 introduced fa 

X % 



( J50 ) 

Jkfefcslf to the notice of the reader, with the promise 
of again making him the subject of remark. The 
doctor is a very clever and a very worthy man ; but, 
uufortunately, in indigent circumstances. His abili- 
ties and uniform correct conduct gave him a place at 
my table for several years, by uhich means he mingled 
with the Wardle parties during the whole of our ac- 
quaintance. In the course of a short time the doctor 
became entangled in ail their secrets, and heard al- 
most all major Dodd and the colonel's conversation 
with respect to the duke of Kent's being the parent 
of the measure which these agents were to carry into 
execution. 

As every thing depended upon the doctor's honor 
as to the secrecy of their proceedings, which they made 
him promise most solemnly to keep inviolable, they, in 
return for his friendship -and fidelity, faithfully promi- 
sed to give tohim a lucrative situation in the govern* 
ment when the duke of Kent became commander in 
chief of the army! 

As soon, however, as the investigation was over, 
and I would not lend myself to other measures^ they 
cut the poor doctor, and rewarded him as they did 
me; which accounts for the following letter he sent 
to maj< r Dodd, and which no man could or would 
have written but under the circumstances related. 

" April 15th, 1809. 
* My dear Sir, 

" I believe you are perfectly aware that the 
whole of the circumstances which related to the duke 
ot Kent, and his wishes, as to the result of the late 
inquiry, are known to me; and I believe I am perfect- 
ly correct in stating that the above communication 
was made to me by mrs. Clarke, the day previous to 
that on which 1 had the honor of being introduced 
to you. Well knowing the consequence attaching to 
secrecy in an affair of this nature> I was n tie tc 



( 151 ) 

my trust, and never divulged an atom of the whole 
to any one breathing, though strongly urged from a 
certain quarter to explain the motives which rhe 
honorable mover had tor his anxiety in pres- 
sing the inquiry. 

M I have, during the investigation, had it more 
than once intimated to me, that it was intended I 
should have a provision under government. Fioni 
the silence lately observed by all parties on that sub- 
ject, 1 am either to suppose that the intimation made 
to me was a matter in nubibus, or that mrs. Clarke's 
claims are so very urgent and extensive, that a figure 
so small as 1 am, may very safely be lodged on the 
shelf. How far a decision like this may be deemed 
liberal, supposing the latter to be the case, and all 
circumstances considered, I shall submit to your can- 
dor: I have, however, so high an opinion of major 
Doddy that I will hope better things, and I will still 
flatter myself that the commencing reformation shall 
not be marked by sufferinga man of a high integrity, 
and abilities not contemptible, to sink, for want of 
being properly supported. 

" I wish not to dictate either the quantum of the 
provision, or the situation where, so that it is confined 
to the island ; for sixty -six is a period too late in life 
for traversing the ocean. 

" With the highest respect, regard, and esteem, I 
have the honor to remain, your much obliged 3 sin- 
cerely devoted humble servant, 

(Signed) " Thos. Metcalf, 

« To major Dodd." 

I do not see the necessity of making any remarks 
upon the above, further than to observe that it strong- 
ly supports every part of my narrative. 

A few days after my trial for conspiracy, I recei- 
ved the following from the same worthy gentleman^ 



( 152 ) 

which, as it appears to say so much to my purpose, \ 
shall leave it without illustration. 

" Birmingham, Dec. 14, 1809* 
" My dear friend, 

" Great god be thanked for the triumph you 
have obtained over messrs. Dodd, Wardle, and Glen- 
nie. The result of the trial proves the advice 1 gave 
you to be good. Had I appeared as evidence on the 
trial, you now see the use they would have made of 
the circumstances: they would have done all they 
could to have made me the instrument oi lugging the 
buke of Kent into the scrape head and 
shoulders. 1 am glad to find that his ro^al 
Highness has dismissed Dodd, and turned Glennieout 
of his office; and ! hope when next his royal highness 

ENTERS INTO CONFIDENCE AGAIN, HE WILL 

not ttepose it in the bos »m of knaves or 
fools. wakdle may now give over his 
appeals to the people of the united- 
Kingdom, for they will no longer be 
duped by such goi disant Patriots. I will now 
tell you in the -fulness of confidential friendship, that 
had I imprudently complied with your solicitations, 
and given the whole of the c nvehsation 
which 1 more than once overhkard, it might 

ONE DAY OR OTHER HAVE SO FAR HURT THE 
CREDIT OF THE ROYAL FAMILY WITH THE 

people, as to have endangered the peace 
of the kingdom. T knew the danger, you did 
not; therefore I advised you as I did, and acted ac- 
cordingly. 

" The maid servant has just brought me word that 
my wife has breathed her last. God almighty re- 
ceive her; her troubles are over; would to heaven 
that mine were also finished ! 



( J5S ) 

" Remember me to the dear children, to capt. 
Thompson, and also to good mrs. Favery. 
" I am, and ever shall be, 

" Truly, faithfully, and devotedly, 
" Your unalterable Iriend, 

" J Metcalf, M. D* 

Since I have been writing this volume, I have 
Beard that major Dodd should say that the duke of 
Krnt felt his seccntym my not hating any of his/e£- 
te s in my possession. 

The duke of Kent is not the only one who has de- 
ceived himself upon a fancied secwity: but as this- 
just but bold publication may induce some individuals 
to court a fwther exposure of themselves, by again 
placing me before a British jiry, 1 feel justified in 
keeping some part of my case in reserve for my own 
safety. 

However, in confirmation of my statement in page 
30, where I speak of reading the duke of Kent's 
letters to major Dodd, in which I am encouraged to- 
stand up against his own brother, 1 will again 
introduce to the notice of my readers, mr. Ogilvie, 
who happened to be in my back drawing room one 
morning at the beginning of the investigation, when 
major Dodd came up in great haste, with one of the 
•luke's letters in his hand; and as soon as he entered 
the front room he read, in a high and exalting tone of 
voice, his royal master's sentiments, with respect to my 
future reward for the services before related. The 
whole thing was instantaneously done : and as soon as 
he understood that mr. Ogilvie was in the back room, 
the folding doors of which being half open, he felt 
much embarrassed, and immediately put the letter in 
his pocket ! 

As mr. Waithman, the linen-draper, is a very noi- 
sy patriot, and always talking about something or 
Other he does not very well understand, and meddling 
in all the affairs of his neighbors, he appears fair game? 
for me to shoot at, particularly as ha has taken sueb 



( 154 ) 

an active part against mc. If this chattering black* 
bird were to die, the council-chamber at Guildhall 
would be like a ropery deserted, where a senseless 
noise had too long disturbed the whole neighborhood, 
while lie and his black brethren were breeding mis- 
chief ! 

Oi mr. Waithman I know a great deal, but no- 
thing to claim either my admiration or respect, as he 
is something like Phillips and the common description 
of liberty boys, who in their own dwellings are per- 
fect tyrants; which confirms me in opinion, that mod- 
ern patriotism and tyranny are synonymous terms. 

When I was first introduced to mr. Waithman 
through the immaculate bookseller, he was very anx- 
ious for me to cssau most of the high personages about 
the court, and he wished me very much to attack his 
majesty from his information ; but I gave him tne same 
answer I had given to mr. Giennie, that 1 felt no in- 
clination to be a republican blunderbuss to fire out the 
party malice of any disappointed politician I — mr. 
Waithman will understand me, I am sure. This in- 
tended attack on an aged and good king, I assure the 
public, so much disgusted me, that I have ever since 
considered mr. Waithman a very dirty character ! but 
he is a patriot y and therefore he must be spotless as the 
times go! 

Waithman, like all these kind of violent reformers, 
is not very particular about one of the necessary quali- 
ties of an orator, as long as he can give effect to his 
muslin effusions in the common council. I will in- 
stance a circumstance where he, most likely, thought 
truth the least important ornament of his speech ! 

In one of his thunde ing speeches, he informed his 
auditory that I had told him, or some one else, that 
mr. Meilish had ajifilied to me for a baronetcy, which 
I here bes to assure the public is no more nor less than 
a gross falsehood ! mr. Mellish's interest must be 
ver> bad with government if he could not obtain such 
%Jialt.y acquisition without asking me to beg a new 



( 155 ) 

name for him! he who is ashamed of his own way 
have a good reason tor any addition or alteration; 
which indeed is the only excuse I have for sir Rich- 
ara Phillips's attachment to the baronetcy ! 

I will do Mr. Mellish the credit to believe, that 
neither his family nor himself have given him cause to 
sink the one under the emblazonment ol the other! 

When I make these reflections, I do not wish it to 
be understood that I mean to ca*t any unbecoming 
reflections on those numerous persons whose public 
service* have entitled them to this honorable acknov 1- 
ed^ement oi their countiy's approbation. It is like a 
roman re • aid, no expense to the government, and very 

FLATTERING ! 

My information to mr. Waithman was this; that 
mr. Shaw, who had been ven serviceable to mr. Pitt, 
w r as promised by him some little plaything ot thi> kind, 
which he has since got in the title of sir James Shaw : 
but I think it my duty to declare, in justice to sir 
James, that I had nothing to do with this / ght ajj 'air, 
and therefore mr. Waithman evidently told \h\ajal e- 
hood, with an intention of being personal, for which 
mr. Mellish will be justified when opportunity serves, 
in taking a shot at the black game of the city i oakery f 

Mr. Timothy Brown constitutes a small iirnb of 
this party; but as dinners and money principally dis- 
tinguish this banker in the political hemisphere in 
which he moves, I can only view him as a useful 
agent in the cause on which his gold sheds the greatest 
lustre ! Before my trial (or conspiracy, mr. Brown 
invited mr. Gillet, my former printer, to dine with 
him, in company with that great legal luminary mr. 
Ellis, who, after the decision of the court upon his 
action against the speaker of the house of commons, 
will no doubt recommend the distressed relatives of 
the poor malefactors to indict Jack Ketch for mur- 
der ! As soon as the wine went into circulation, 
mr. hllis, assisted b\ mr. Brown, began to probe him 
txpon all the private conversations he had with mc 



t 156 ) 

xither as to the payment of my furniture, or any 
thing that they thought would help the prosecution. 

Giilet very justly said he knew nothing oi" my /?e- 
cvniary transact ions, and therefore could not be of 
any service t<> them. Mr. Ellis then boasted of hav- 
ing quite sufficient evidence to convict the defendants, 
though he thought it ad vise able to obtain all he could. 
Elhs now thought to play oft* a tittle terror over Gii- 
let, by observing tb a t he had instructions to bring an 
action against him for publishing the pamphlet called 
the " Kival Impostors," unless he gave up the author, 
though this person must at that time have knoxcn that 
mr. Manners was its notorious parent ! 

Jn consequence of mr. Cobbett having taken such 
a decided part against me lately, I think it but fair to 
return him thanks far his liberality and independence ; 
two qualities m a political writer that deserve my ad- 
miration and esteem, from the difficulty of meeting 
with them at any time, and particularly at the pre- 
sent day. 

When 1 was the great key-stone that held the arch 
upon which the fabric oi colonel Wardie's tame 
entirely rested, mr. ( obbett said mighty pret- 
ty things with respect to me; but now the villany of 
his friend has loosened its security, and have let him 
into a gulph of deserved public odium, he, to support 
his favorite theme, for private reasons, has -discovered, 
ail at once, that I am a very infamous woman, in 
whom there is no truth to be found ! 

Nature has bestowed on the human mind an ami- 
able kind af weakness, which frequently induces an 
author to believe that his sentiments, though as 
changeable as the weathercock, are never observed ■; 
and that his reader has a happy stupidity of not finding 
out when the vane xvas in the west, and when it is in 
the north ! This changeability in mr. Cobbett, whose 
abilities I admire, obliges me to open the secrets of 
the prison- house, and show that the intellect of even 
etever men \s h&tvity fettered, and Quite thesmieto <?r- 



( 157 ) 

tidental circumstances ; which strengthens the philoso- 
pher's position, that there re but little difference be- 
tween the enlightened and ignorant man, all being a- 
like characterised by imperfection ! 

During the investigation, lord Folkstone brought 
mr. Cobbett to Westborne-placc, who was pleased to 
say a number of chit things to me [ail of which w r ere 
very opposite to his late public sentiments] ; and ob- 
served, with muc/izcannth of feeling, that the only thing 
he was angry at, was, that I should ever have fired 
with such a man as the dttke of York. As / knevc 
the cause of this remark, I instantly checked the ebul- 
lition of his malice, by observing that, though 1 had 
been drawn into measures of hostility against my lute 
friend, yet still he was a gentleman and a prince, who 
was adorned by many excellent qualities; and there- 
fore I begged to assure him that he would not raise 
himself in my opinion by any personal reflections on 
the duke of York, which I laieio arose from his havfiYg 
been once disappointed at not dining with his royal 
highness at my table, after th&party was fixed. 

That the reader may enter completely into the cause 
of rnr. Cobbett' s dislike to that prince, and his m >- 
tives for having become his determined joe, I must be 
allowed to relate the circumstance. Accident, I be- 
lieve, suggested a political paYty at my house : ac- 
cordingly mr. Cobbett and sir Francis Burden re- 
ceived cards of invitation, and were, as they efx^ec ;ed, 
to have dined in company with the duke ot York. 
AVithJa a few days of the dinner, the duke informed 
me in the most delicate manner, that he had not the 
least objection to dine with these gentlemen as private 
individuals ; yet, as their hostiiuy was so obvuuis to 
the government, it would not be prudent for hnrrto 
be present. I felt the propriety oi the duke's ex* uee, 
which arose from no pesfynal dislike, anci consequent 
ly put the party oft'. A gentleman who was Co ha$Q 
been of the party afterwards*© Id me of Gobbeti's an- 
ger at bemg disappointed, and assured me that he 
O 



I 158 ) 

would not forget the insult ; which time has proved 
Ik* hat not, from the unmcrcful manner with which 
he has followed the object of his malice. An ex- 
planation of this fact took place before lord Folk- 
stone, who, 1 think, is too much the man o( honor to 
deny it now, from motives 6i policy, though mr, 
Cobbett may not like to acknowledge the truth of this 
statement ! 

It mr. Cobbett should feel hurt at the introduction 
of this anecdote, he has the gratification of knowing: 
that an injured female is at the mercy of his pen, which 
has already consumed a great deal of gall upon her, 
whom he could once come to praise and admire when 
she was in the service of a certain cause ! 

As Mr. Croker took a great interest in my concerns 
when I was examined in the house of commoib, it 
would be unkind of me to forget him — -and to forget 
a friend, is a sin against the commandment, which I 
am not disposed to commit; I will, therefore, just 
convince the public of the great acquisition which the 
government is in possession, in the person of this dis- 
tinguished lawyer and politician ! 

Stimulated to learn something of this ludicrous 
irishman, who did those dirty kind of things to injure 
me, which no gentleman would have lent himself to ; 
I obtained, through a pretty good medium, the fol- 
lowing whimsical history of my friend Alley Croker! 

Perhaps the pen of the biographer cannot relate 
a more honorable incident of a man's life than that 
of his having raised, himself from an humble station 
in life to. a-place of public trust and honor ; but if, 
ascending the rugged hill of prosperity, he wantonly 
tarnishes that character which ought to accompany 
the footsteps of every man who pursues the path of 
honor, and descends to those little offices of becoming, 
like many of his countrymen, a watchman, and, in- 
stead oi keeping the peace, rudely attacks a person 
whose sex ought to diave protected her from insult, I 
doubt not but the reader will think with rae tftat I 



( 1^9 ) 

am justified in showing who he was, as an excuse for 
my not presenting a gentleman to the notice of the 
reader. 

My friend Alloy-Croker is a native of Tolewood, 
in the county of Cork, and is said to be the son of an 
obscure person who was in some very humble station 
under the earl of Shannon, and employed in Collect- 
ing that very odious Irish tax of the hearth money ! I 
have considered it proper to be correct in this par- 
ticular, lest in, future times the same controversy may 
arise about the birth-place of this hero, which occu- 
pied the learned world respecting that of Homer; 
mr. Croker being a poet as well as a lauyer and 
statesman* 

It is supposed that he was educated atone of those- 
charity schools immediately under the patronage of 
the earl, which it appears he left at a very ear'y age, 
as he assisted his father in collecting the tax which is 
held in such abhorrence by the poor people ot Ire- 
land. With ink-horn at his buttonhole, and tax- 
book in his hand, his person was as alarming to the 
poor as a village ghost, or a hawk to a hen and 
chickens! Young Croker was considered a sharp lad 2 
for discovering the concealed furniture of those de- 
fa u Iters whose miserable sticks it was his business to 
seize for certain arrears in the payment of the tax. 

As he advanced in life, his lather, through the 
same patronage, obtained a more lucrative situation, 
which enabled him to indulge better prospects of his 
future life, and, after a few years necessary study, he 
went to the irish bar; but finding that the law did 
not shed any lustre upon his professional pursuits, or 
he any lustre upon the law, he determined to have 
recourse to his pen, which he very properly employed 
with the best views to his pecuniary advantage. 

After passing some time in writing upon most of 
the floating subjects ot the day, a contested election 
commenced, in which lord Castlereagh became a 
candidate \ who binding a useful literary advocate in 



( 160 > 

inr. Croker, encouraged his exertions, and afterwards 
became his best friend ; and to whom he is now in- 
debted for his present elevated station in life ! 

I believe through the influence of this nobleman, 
he progressively advanced from one thing to another, 
till he got into parliament, where he did not distin- 
guish himself till the investigation. 

My frigid Alley-Croker, thinking this was a fine 
opportunity to bring himself into notice by crushing a 
woman, I dare say said to himself, " By Jasus, here 
am I ! — By my soul, you shall see what Til do with 
that infamous woman mrs. Clarke ! ! !" .accordingly 
he made solemn preparation for her exposure and 
ruin ! 

When he set at me, it must be in the recollection 
of every one who was in the house at the time, that I 
fumed him round my finger, to the continued mirth 
but pity of the house. But when he insisted on hear- 
ing the name signed to the a 'nonymous letter, and 
the house observed my manner of treating his non- 
sense, it is impossible to describe Me ridiculous situa- 
tion in which he stood, surrounded as he then was by 
a general laugh, and which threw the house into such 
confusion, that it was nearly half an hour before 
order could be restored. 

He has a brogue which makes him scarcely intel- 
ligible to his countrymen, and, when he speaks in the 
house fenders his eloquence irresistibly powerful ;~»- 
I do not mean, reader, over the understanding of his 
hearers, but over the risible faculties; or, in plainer 
terms, he makes every body laugh at him ! ! ! 

Among the variety of little silly acts which marked 
this gentleman's political career, is his peeping from 
a garret in the nearest opposite house to me in order 
to watch my movements, and see who came to West- 
borne place, during the investigation. 

For all these able endeavors in the service of the 
state, he now enjoys the place of secretary to the 
Admiralty ! ! !, 



i- 161 ) 

Recently this sagacious gentleman distinguished 
himself as teller of the house on a division, and was 
60 kind to the ministers as to leave out a whole row of 
his own party ! ' ! 

Though mr. Croker did all he could to annoy and 
injure me, 1 will return good tor evil, and recommend 
his poor but industrious and deserving cousin as a 
very excellent barber ! 

Though several personalmppUcations have been made 
to me to suppress this work, accompanied by good of- 
fc s, the following is the only document 1 have re- 
ceived upon the subject. But as my feelings and 
character are so much concerned in the exposure of 
colonel Wardle and his party, I have uniformly re- 
jected ALL OVERTURES ! 

"Barnard Castle, Jan. 13, IS 10. 

" DEAR MADAM, 

On perusing one of the London newspapers, I saw 
a paragraph with your name affixed, signifying your 
intention to publish an appeal to the public, wherein 
you intended to insert several of colonel Wardle's let- 
ters. Now, madam, in consideration of the great 
respect I bear towards the colonel (lor the great and 
important service he has rendered his country,) if you 
will suppress your intended publication, 1 will present 
you with rive hundred pounds. It, madam, you as- 
oent to my proposal, please to signify Hie same by let- 
ter, and 1 will immediately come to town and pay the 
money, 

" I am, dear madam, 

" With the greatest respect, . 
M Your most obedient and hum bio servant, , 

" T. Puudajk 
u P. S. Please to direct for me at Barnard Castiev 
County of Durham. 

11 U>s, Ml A. Cterke, Kings road London-^ 
2 



( 162 ) 

As all the circumstances attending colonel Wardle's 
motion in the court of King'? Bench lor a ne\\ trial 
have appeared before the public, and the opinions of 
the judges alsotresh in the memory of the intelligent 
readei, it precludes the necessity of my <roihg over 
a question which rested upon the custom of the court 
in similar casts. 

If I were disposed to canvass all the points of em- 
':nce given at my trial lor conspiracy, i should 
scarcely know where to close this work, from the 
abundant contradictors which it will manifest to the 
attentive reader; but, as such an illustration would 
in some measure constitute a repetition of that narra- 
tive already gone through, 1 should be making an 
unjustifiable claim on public patience. 

Impressed thus upon the subject, I shall now 
proceed to a few remarks upon the manner mr Al- 
ley, the prosecutor's counsel, conducted that cause, 
which his vanity led him to believe would almost 
immortalize him 1 

There is an old remark, that a " great thing is 
too spuch for a little mind ;" and I verily believe 
that mr. Alley evinced the force of this observation 
in the management of that prosecution. All irrit- 
able and violent men are unfit to take the lead in any 
great cause, as its importance is apt to impress a 
consequence upon him to whom its care is assign- 
ed, and thus throw a hot-headed general off his 
guard. Mr Alley had, no doubt, sufficient time 
to study and make the most of the speech he so 
laboriously composed for my destruction, from the 
evident touches of Old Bailey eloquence with which 
it so amply abounds. 

I do not pretend to know any thing of his family 
or breeding in Ireland (though I expect his history 
every day from that country); but this I know, that 
an irish cobbler would have remembered that I was 
a woman and a mother, and not have designated me 
by such epithets as graced the lips of this gentle- 



( IM ) 

man from the sessions 1 where, most likely, heac- 
quired the ornament* of speech and the eloquence 
of the english bar ! 

What opinion does the reader suppose twelve 
respectable men (most of whom, no doubt, were 
husbands and fathers) must have had of colonel 
Wardle, who could instruct his counsel to color me 
in such terms to them; when a few months before, 
he, in conjunction with car. Whitbread, lord Folk- 
stone, and many other respectable men, had de- 
scribed me as an injured woman jiatiently bearing 
my misfortunes, and supporting my children in silent 
distress, till he had allured me into public notice ? 
I ask, what any one must think of that man's char- 
acter who could instruct his counsel to preface 
his perjury with such ungentlemanly epithets, and 
falsehoods, as mr. Alley advanced to the court on 
that day ! 

But to proceed. Mr. Alley thought to astonish 
the jury by throwing- out insinuations against the 
government, the first of which was, I believe, with 
respect to the " arch juggler" Now, this political 
compound of unmeaning nothingness by some acci- 
dent suggested itself to the party months before, 
when mr. Corfield was drawing the briefs to meet 
Wright's action, and on that trial the " arch jug- 
gler" was to have made it first appear in the world ; 
but, as it was not founded on even the shadow of 
truth, it remained at rest till the papers got into the 
hands of mr. Ellis; and then, 1 suppose, he or his 
counsel thought, if used in court, it would astonish 
the jury, and involve the government in public sus- 
picion, perhaps odium ; he therefore resuscitated 
this bugbear of the brain from its peaceful slum- 
bers for public animadversion ! 

The next dirty and false charge insinuated against 
the government was, that major Dodd lost his situ- 
ation for having gone before the grand jury to sup- 
port colonel Wardle's bill of indictment against 
me: but the fact is, that major Dodd knew very 



i 164 ) 

well how he lost h : s situation, and how* he acquired a 
very large fortune at Gibralter. if, however, he 
should hdvefo) gotten it, I will just remind him, that' 1 
there are such things as neutral vessels! the 
reader may perhaps recollect, that, alter mr. Alley 
threw out this charge, the attorney general sent to his 
chambers tor the / a/iers which were connected with 
the proceedings now bOiNG on against him ior 
his conduct while at Gibralter. So much, then, lor 
all this emfity stuff which uas employed to blaiken 
every tiling that thd not bear the feature ot rep ublkan 
furo' I and so much tor the honesty of the man, whom 
mr. Alley pou rtrays to the world in these fine and high 
sounding words: "The next witness I shall pre- 
sent to you, gentlemen, will be major Dodd, who [ 
have told you will appear before you in a high, proud, 
and manly state : he is an honorable and manly man ; 
and, atter the late instance of his noble mindedness and 
disinterestedness, he well deserves to have his name 
placed upon some pillar, on which should 

BE INSCRIBED, 'To THE MEMORY OF AN HON- 
EST man/' Though this gingerbread speech of mr. 
Alley's was evidently the result of much study, it dis- 
plays no traits of a great imagination, notwithstanding 
it is as full of ridiculous illustrations of the necessity of 
public virtue as it is full of falsehood ; unless, indeed, 
his nonsense with- respect to Bonaparte's rise in the 
world be considered among the sublime ! who is about 
as virtuous a character as the colonel, but with a 

VERY DIFFERENT HEAD ! 

A man who studied his subject as mr. Alley had done, 
and without being obliged to follow the truth, ought, 
out of so much fiction, to have been able to have made 
a most brilliant reply, if he really possessed any great 
gjts of ability. But what was the case? — why, a 
most miserable anszver, that showed a want of those 
powers of mind necessary to eminence at that bar. His 
only excuse for floundering about, in his answer to the 
sttornev general., was one of which a .counsel ought 



( *» > 

to be ashamed to acknowledge ; namely, that he did 
not expect the examination of mr. Stokes, or any o- 
ther witness, on my side, and therefore he had not 
taken notes : but what signified notes upon a familiar 
ease, on which he at first had nothing but fiction as his 
guide ? a good general is never off his guard, and ta- 
kt n by surprise! neither sir Vicary Gibbs nor mr. 
G arrow would have made such an excuse, or have 
been out -gencr ailed in a cause like that, before the 
Court ! 

But though he had only the examination of one 
witness to contend with, it was evidently too much tor 
hi -ii, and sooner than he would cut a bad cause he 
was ready to cut an old and serviceable friend, if 
the jury had been as weak as he wished them, and 
found me guilty! mr. Stokes ought, however, to be 
proud that he may again be allowed to reap all the 
advantages to be derived from the society of such a& 
elegant and finished orator J 

Of the jury who presided I have no personal knowl- 
edge, and have only to repeat what I before observed 
with re>pcct to the former gentlemen who tried mr. 
Wright's action, that, when they see this work, they 
will feel pleased with their verdict of that day, as com- 
plimentary to their good sense, discernment, and hon- 
or ! I know every artifice was used to oppose every 
person as a juror who was not thought a patriot, and 
accordingly aman by the name of Lemaitre, (com- 
monly called fioft-gun Lemaitre) a watch-case maker, 
who was confined some years ago for shooting at the 
king, was colonel Wardle's agent on that occasion. 
I only mention this humble individual, to show r the 
description of persons with whom the colonel finds it 
political to identify himself! there are about 
iitteen of these kind of men, who assume the afiftear- 
ance of business, that are maintained private- 
xy to further a certain cause! 

1 regret exceedingly that mr. Wright's witnesses 
were not examined on my prosecution for conspiracy. 



( 166 ) 

and the whole of the evidence not gone into, which I 
am sure would have given a very different feature to 
the result of the trial but, nut of delicacy to the 
duke of Kent's presence, my counsel were induced to 
rest our case upon other grounds : — I have also to ex- 
press my regrtt and disappointment that the roguery 
of colonel Wardle deprives me from publishing those 
affidavits and the evidence, ot about fifteen per- 
sons, in consequence of his noxv making every endt av- 
er, through his proceedings in chancery, to keep 
mr. Francis Wright out of his bill, the amount of 
which the public lately subscribed (under talse im- 
pressions of his character) to defray the expences he 
was sufifiosed to incur in the great public cause ! the 
colonel has employed that very money to other purpo- 
ses, and is now using ever?/ trick to deprive a respect- 
able and honest tradesman of a sum ot money given 
t& him by a jury of his country. 

This is, however, all of a piece with the general 
conduct of & patriot ; but it locks up for the pre- 
sent a very important part ot my case, which must 
be kept in reserve to meet all the legal artifice that 
will, no doubt, be used to injure that very man who 
might have ruined colonel Wardle during the inves- 
tigation by a full and profitable exposure of bis bribe- 
ry to me, and who, according to the colonel's re- 
quest, made such an entry \\\h\§ books as then appear- 
ed most satisfactory to his wishes, in order to conceal 
his pecuniary transaction with mr. Wright, and se- 
cure his honor with the house of commons and the pub- 
lic. 

Further than it was necessary, I have not made 
mr. Francis Wright's case the subject of local obser- 
vation, as every line of this work which goes to the 
justification of my conduct also justifies his; and either 
we are both guilty if imposing upon that unguarded 
and innocent character colonel Wardle, or we are both 
spotless, which is with the impartial reader to decide 
trpon, after perusing this w r ork, 



( 167 ) 

Mr. Wright has been a great sufferer in conse- 
quence or dishonor to colonel Uardle, winch almost 
every man would hare savrjlctd in the heat of the in- 
vestigation for useful PA I RON AGE. It' such a 
secret had been with sir Richard Phillips, he would 
have sold it ten times over, and afterwards have 
laughed at the colonels folly tor having reposed a 
marketable article with him ! But with rar Wright 
the thing was different ; and he has been almost ru- 
ined in peace of mind and public opinion from having 
been truly honorable to an ill-principled impostor, 
who would sacrifice his parent for a little POPULA- 
RliY !!! 

1 d<i flatter myself that this work will restore mr. 
Wriaht very deservedly to public favor, whose honest 
friendship and misapplied fidelity have for a time suffer- 
ed all that party malice and perjury could do for his 
destruction ! but as circumstances have turned out, 
he may console himself with this proud reflection, that, 
though colonel Wardlefs a patriot, he lias the pre- 
eminence ot being an honest man ! 

In winding up my account with the immaculate 
colonel Wardle, I must be allowed to remind him of 
his not having verified any of his promises to the peo- 
ple of England. It is within the recollection of every 
one that he was to convict me of perjury or conspira- 
cy, neither of which has taken place, in fact, there 
was not a phrase sufficiently strong with which he 
c uld designate my conduct, and awaiting ruin, that 
he did not call into the service of his cause ; and such 
a cause which has in the end shown the colonel not to 
he a patriot, but a ViLLAirs ! ! ! 



APPENDIX. 



When this book was nearly ready for publication, we 
Wre politely furnished by a friend with late London pa- 
pers/from which we copy the following matter. 

MRS. CLARKE'S PUBLICATION. 

The second edition of mrs. Clarke's " Rival 
Princes," has made its appearance, and isshe threat- 
ened, with certain' additional letters, eight in Dumber, 
from lord Folks-tone to her, selected, as she says, 
f r m about forty now in her possession. The more 
immediate object of this second edition is, the refuta- 
tion of lord Folksto^b's letter recently publish- 
ed,* as may be seen by the following extracts : — 

* The following is the letter alluded to, und which was origi- 
nal^- published in the London Morning Ghronicle of Friday, 
June 15, 1810. 

To the editor of the Morning Chronicle. 
Sir, 

The letter of which the annexed is a copy, I should be glad 
you would insert in your paper to-morrow. 

I am, sir, your obedient servant, 
June 14. GM. LL. WARDLE. 

" Dear Warsle, " Cowes, June 12. 

" I have just seen by the papers that mrs. Ciarke has at last 
published her book, and therein a letter addressed to her by me 
in June last. I have not seen the work itself, I therefore do not 
.know what use she makes of the letter ; but it cannot fail to occur 
to you, that the opinions the^-em expressed were founded , solely 
on the repre sfniations she gave me The letter is evi- 
dence oi my feelings at the lime, but upon trie subject of these 
feelings we have already come to an understanding.— I should 
thereiOTe not have troubled you now with this observation, had I 
not found that major DoddVname is mentioned in that letter, 
which I was not aware ot and think it due to him to state, and J 
beg yeu to state to him from me, that as those opinion* w»re form- 
P 



( 170 ) 

u As this patriotic nobleman has so completely lost 
himself by his letter to cot. Wardle, I will, out of 
about forty letlers, lay before the public a lew of his 
epistles, that the reader maybe better able to judge 
of his conduct, character, and servces ! ! ! 

"As the following letter requires little or no illus- 
tration, I shall subjoin it with 'only this remark, that 
lord Folkstone then knew that my letters had been 
shown about by Dodd, and that he, at that time, be- 
lieved that the duke ol Kent had seen them. 

" Feb. 18, 18C#. 

" Dear madam, 

" The house was not inclined to take your let- 
ters last nighty when 1 first wished to produce them, 
and indeed it did not seem at that time at all impor- 
tant that they should have them. Afterwards, how- 
ever, something passed, which made me desirous that 
they should be produced \ but the committee had 
broken up, and tb *g was a difficulty \x\ point of form. 
It was finally determined that £ome clerks from the 
bank, w ho are in the habit of examining hand-writings, 
should compare the three letters of the duke's, which 
are on the table of the house, and be examined at the 
bar on Monday, whether, in their opinion, they are 

ed and expressed* when I was satisfied "of the truth of the repre- 
sentations mad* to me, so now that I have no longer reason o 
maintain them, I can have no objection to disavowing, as I would 
have done betore, had I recollected having so written. 

" The same remark applies equally to the ' royal brother. ' 
"Iwill not disguise to you the extreme pain which I always 
feel when I see my name in the papers, and my opinions and con- 
duct made the matter of public discussion ; but I think I am bound 
to {jive ^ou liiij authority to make what use you or major Dodd 
may think proper of this letter. 

" I remain, dear Wardle, 

" Your obedient humble servant, 
"To G L,' Wardle, esq, •'FOLXSTONF. 

<f James-street, London," 



( 171 ) 

all of the same writing? If they say 'yes,' { shall 

be content — it they say ' no/ I shall endeavor to get 
you called in, in order thai yon may produce that 
packet of letters which you brought down yesterday. 
You must, therefore, holdyuurselt in readiness to ap- 
pear again on Monday, unless you hear from me to 
the contrary ; and / beg you in the wean time, to keep 
the letters in your possession, and not let any one what- 
ever take them out of your house. 

" Yours, in great haste, 
(Signed) " Folkstone." 

" The next letter which I beg to introduce to the 
notice of the reader, is of some importance to the 
support of my book, as it speaks of a hundred pounds 
which Wardle presented (as Dodd and Wardle in- 
formed me) from the duke of Kent to miss Taylor, 
for her services; but the duke may have a short ^me- 
mory, and now thinks it political to forget his good 
defds ! 

" Dear madam, 

" I forgot to give you, at the play last night, 
the inclosed, which Wardle had given me for you ; I 
therefore now send it to you. 

" I also forgot to desire you to beg of miss Taylor 
not to employ the 100/. which Wardle received for 
her, and, as I understand, gave to her, but to let it go 
to the subscription. If she has not/now spent it, send 
it me ? and I will put it down to BudcTs book. It will 
have, I think, a much more advantageous effect in that 
way. 

" I hope you got away from the play without any 
mobbing, and that you are well to-day. — I am yours 
truly, « Folkstoxe. 

" Tuesday morning, half past two o'clock" 

85 Of course I need not beg of you, if you send the 
100/. note, to send it me under cover/' 



( lf2 ) 

*' This letter must convince the reader that this 
political party wanted back the dnke's present ot 1( Oi 
to szvell out the subscript ton, which had been proposed 
t?> mr. Cobbctt, and was supported with such public 
enthusiasm. 

u The reader will perceive, from the perusal of this 
letter, that lord Folkstone had greatly interested him- 
self in my affairs, and was .my principal private advisee 
with resgect to the suppression ot my last book, 

" Barley- street, April 3, 1809, haffc 
past twelve^ morning. 
c *Dear mad Air, 

" I had n*>t left my claret, but my tea, and a plea- 
sant company, and was putting on my great coat at 
the foot of IVard/e's stairs, when ( received your com- 
mands, in obedience to Which alone I reluctantly 
made up my mind not to call on you this evening I 
hope that neither illness nor anger (for which I can 
guess no cause), was the cause of the peremptory or- 
der I received, and which, so much against my will, I 
obeyed. I am glad you have sent the letters ; I hope 
they were written fair, and that you attended to yours. 
— I have been perusing the paper which your legal 
adviser, Comrie, wanted you to sjgn. 1 see more 
reason each time I read it why you should not sign a 
paper drawn up in that form; but especially a paper 
like that, so incorrectly written and full of abbrevia- 
tions, &c. — Beware of this man— I think he is no 
frie*nd of yours.— L will, if I can, keep awake to- 
night, or at all events in the morning, put to papeif 
^oine ideas on the subject. In the mean time let me 
exhort you not to agree to verbally, and especially 
not to sign, any proposal hastily, and without con- 
sideration. My head is not a cool one; but I think it 
cooler than yours; and, at all events, the delay occa- 
sioned by your resolution to consult me, at least in- 
sures time for reflection. I wilt caii on you at the 



( 173 ) 

tfme which you will name, I have an engagement in 
Blaekfriars'-road, at three, which will detain me some 
time; and either before or after that, I must go into 
the city; but I will call on you either at one or at 
five, or at your dinner hour, or early or late in the 
evening, as will best suit you — fix the time, and I will- 
make my arrangements in consequence. — Adieu, I 
shall now go to bed. The scratches in this letter 
prove how unfit I am for business now. Let me hear 
from you, and believe me, dear madam, 

11 Ever truly yours, 
(Signed) "Folkstone-." 

" The following letter will show that Dodd was not 
•he only person who had & finger in the book which 
was then about to be published. 

" Lord Folkstone acknowledges his anxiety with 
resrfect to the manner my efforts were to go into the 
world, and in this epistle gives another proof of his 
friendship for the woman whose word he now endea- 
vors to lessen in the. good opinion of the public ! ! 

March <2j y 1 800. 
" Dear madam, 

u I am nearly knocked up as ever rip of a race- 
horse was at the end of the fourth four mile heat lor 
a king's plate ; but I am not inclined to give in yet — - 
I want to talk about Lawson. I also want to talk to 
you about your book : if the preface is not finally de- 
termined on and printed, I should like to look it over. 
It is of great importance to you that you should be 

PROPERLY AND TRULY REPRESENTED IN IT TO 

the public ; I am, therefore, desirous to see it, be- 
fore it is too late ; get it home for this purpose if you 
can, and I will call this evening, after dinner, about 
ten o'clock. 

** Let mo know if such arrangements will suit you, 
and believe me ever truly, 

Yours (in haste), 
(Signed) " Fo/.-kstone."" 

P 2 



C m ) 

Ji With what face can mr. Cobbett abuse me in hit 
weekly Register, alter the reader is made acquainted 
with this letter, and discovers that he, and lord Folk- 
stone, endeavored to make me an instrument of poli- 
iieal convenience, for the purpose of attacking any 
object that best suited the policy of the moment. 

"Dear madam, 

u \ received the inclosed to-day, from mr. Cob- 
bett. I wish you would, without loss of time, m- 
quire into the facts, and let me know the result. I 
will call, if possible, for your answer to-morrow, 
about four ; if I cannot call, I will send in the even- 
ing. Take care of the-letters, and return them* I 
J*ope you are better.™ Ever yours, (in haste;, 

4 - FoLK'STOXEv 

** JprilZQ, 1809/' 

•* The husband of the lady who is named in the 
following letter, I essentially served, and in return tor 
my fondness, mrs. Elderton was afterwards pleased to 
say that she did not recollect me. Lord Folkstone, 
who was always upon the look-out for a. political job, 
herrd me mention my friendship to mrs. Elderton, 
and mace some endeavors to turn her husband's c ise 
to account; he therefore commenced a correspon- 
dence with her, in the course of which she tried to 
coax some money out of his pocket, but in that at^- 
tempt she failed, as lord F. will do any thing but give 
or lend his money. The reader will perceive, how- 
ever, by this letter, that his lordship was onfy-a;w//tf~ 
cal visitor, and frequented my house, in order to 
obtain something that might bring Mm into' public fa- 
to-r* 

** Dear madam, " April 12. 

' ' -tiuynot to- see irtftu Elderton till this evening 



( 175 y 

at nine — will you give me some dinner in my way 
there at seven ? 1 do not think 1 shall be kept at the 
house beyond this time. 

" Truly yours, (in haste) 

11 Folkstonk/* 

" The whole of my next letter also confirms my 
declaration, that I was made the instrument o\ serv- 
ing political men with the means of obtaining popu* 
larity, by bespattering any one they felt a disposition 
to degrade or lessen in the estimation-- of the country. 

" Dear madam, 

" I called upon you to inquire, whether you had 
pursued the inquiry about the bribes offered to the 
baker in Church-lane — and to beg you (if you ha- 
not) to do so without loss of lime. If you can give 
me any information about that matter, send it me — 
my servant shall call about six tor your answer, he 
will bring it to me at the house. If you have not yet 
done any thing, pray set about it immediately, as in 
cese of an adjourned debate (which 1 think mighty 
probable), it will be sufficiently early to have this in- 
formation to-morrow, and I will call in the course of 
the morning, to hear if you have any to give.^ — Last 
ni^ht was the darkest 1 was ever out in — 1 fell inter 
the ditch by the chapel, and luckily did not break 
my neck. "Truly yours, 

" Foi/KSTONR." 

" ft may be necessary forme here to inform the 
reader, that I repeatedly inireated lord Folkstone ta 
take those letters back which he bad written to me. 
I made this offer to him from an impression, that he 
was a man of high honor, and that he was incapable 
of a falsehood; but, alas ! I have been deceived ex en in 
him ! 

"-This letter will show the reader, however; that £< 



( 176 ) 

had no intention to make use of his letters in any im» 
proper way ; but when my character and feelings were 
concerned, from the villanous prosecution that was 
instituted against me, I trust ihe reader will think me 
justified in having called in every aid and assistance 
within my ability, to repel the effects of Wardle's 
malice, and as lord Folkstone's letter was a very im- 
portant document, in support of my narrative, i was* 
painfully obliged to give it a niche in the work. Had 
his lordship continued the gentleman I once believed 
him. to be, I should not have inserted these other let- 
ters, out of about forty, which, if published, must 
lessen him, and raise me in the estimation of the 
eople ! 

" July*\7> 1809* 
t( Dear MAixAM r 

" As I have no reason to think that you wilk 
make use of my letters, and as I have no reason to be- 
ashamed of any thing in them if you do, I have no wish 
to have them returned — you are- welcome to keep or 
destroy them as you please. 

" With respect to sir Richard Phillips', 1 have de- 
stroyed it, and I wish you not to sptak of it to any 
one. My reason 1 will tell you when we meet . 

"I too have seen a paragraph in The Press about 
Cobbett. — The whole is quite false, except the fact of 
the visit ; I am sure, if any thing of the sort had pass- 
ed, I should have recollected it, and I have no recol- 
lection at all of the kind; I am sure it is false. — in 
great haste, yours truly, 

N Signed/ " Folkstone." 

" I must here inform the reader, tiiat col. Pigot's 
name having been introduced to the notice of the 
house through the investigation, I felt exceedingly 
anxious to convince him of my not having been the . 
intentional cause of it; and that I wished him to b6 



< 177 ) 

convinced, that he ranked amongst those friends- whom 
I m >st esteem. 

" Accordingly, I asked lord Folkstone to wrrte to 
the Cape of Good Hope, to express my sorrow at the 
public use of his name, and that my good intentions 
towards him were in no way abated ! 

" This request will account tor the following letter, 
which \% another proof of his lordship's good opinion 
of me: — 

" August 30, 1809. 
" Deak madam, 

M I found your letter on my arrival in town yes* 
terday. iMy acquaintance with Pigot is so slight, 
that I think there will be considerable awkwardness 
in my writing to him on this subject, and I shall have 
some difficulty in knowing what to say to him. If, 
however, you still wish it, send me his address, aBd I 
will write to say, that in every thing I have ever heard 
you say of him you have seemed to consider him as 
your friend, and that I am totally ignorant of any ia- 
jury you would, much more of any you meant, to do 
him. I apprehend this would altogether meet your 
ideas. 

" There is scarce any one in town, and I have- 
aeard of nothing stirring. I hope you and the girls 
are well. 

" I am yours ever truly, 

(Signed) " Folkstone;' 3v 

* Mrs. Clarke, Coves, Isle of Wight." 

" Having given the reader eight more letters out 
of forty which I have in my possession, I hope it will 
be clearly seen, that no longer ago than the -latter end 
.ef August last, which is not yet ten months, lord 
Folkstone held me in high and friendly esteem, and I 
should hke to be informed what his motives are, fQT 
w» thinking otherwise of me than he. did th«o? 



( 178 > 

u I am about to introduce to my reader, a curious 
letr^\ <\hich I kmnd in my iron chest, fvH oi very 
curious letters, among which, I entertain a hope, 
that I shall lay my hand upon a note ot the duke of 
Kent's, which I am inclined to think major Dodd 
dropped in pulling out his handkerchief, after he had 
taken a large portion of mr. Illmgworth's wine, 
which he thinks J am weak enough to pay for ! 

" I shall introduce this letter from dr. OMeara, 
and then the reader may give the sanguinary part oi 
the epistle what credit he pleases; but, certainly, 
Robespierre never did a cooler thing than that which 
is said to have distinguished the patriotic 

M The reader will see that the letter is written to 
my brother, c'apt. Thompson, who most probably left 
it with me, when I had no idea of its ever making a 
public appearance. 

** Dublin, 29, Frederick-street* 

u My dear sir, 

" I congratulate you on the victory mrs. Clarke 
has gained over the mushroom patriot; 1 think we 
«ould give him le coup de grace. I have collected 
some curious particulars of his own campaign in Ire- 
land ; one most horrible, and which will be proved o&» 
oath. One day during the rebellion, he met a poor 
man near Athy, with a satchel on his back, contain- 
ing an axe, an augur, a saw, &c. ; he immediately 
concluded the poor man was a rebel, having such 
dangerous weapons concealed in a sack. In vain the 
poor man declared he was a carpenter, and that these 

were his tools. The — could not be convinced. . 

and he ordered his head to be sawed off, which was 
jdone on the spot. I hope mrs. C, now that she has 
passed through this ordeal trial, will have no objec* 
tion to state the whole truth, for my private arid per* 



< m ) 

-ronal friends. She told me she did not intend to 
mention my name ; that she was forced by mr. War- 
die to embellish as she did with respect to me. The 
blow was aimed at the established church, to stab it 
through the sides of a clergyman. The reformers 
and methodists being leagued together to pull down 
both church and state. 

V My letters in defence of the duke were not men* 
(ion (I, which was the ground and cause of my intro- 
duction to him; and his royal highness having thank- 
ed me tor writing those letters, I ventured to ask him 
for the chaplaincy of the royal yacht, and for which 
ho promised to apply on my forwardi g to him a let- 
ter of recommendation from some bishop, and which 
I did from Bath, directed to Portman-square ; this 
fact ! wish to have cleared up, to show the archbishop 
and my friends here. 

*• Cobbett says I preached at Weymouth from un- 
der the wing of mrs. C. ; whereas it was the year be- 
fore I preached before the royal family, riz. 1804. 
In the microcosm of London, it is difficult to distin- 
guish ladies under protection from ladies of fashion; 
each ot these orders borrows the manners of the other, 
and they act their parts as naturally ; it was no won- 
der a man of so much simplicity was deceived by the 
illusions of ^racelul manners, and modest discourse. 
The goddess Hecate, who presided over magic and en- 
chantments, was the same with Luna and Diana. 
Mrs. C. could personate this divinity with ease, as- 
suming all her forms, attributes, and functions, and 
mr. O. assured me she was a widow 7 in the last month 
ot her grief. The masquerade was continued by the 
vjritsc^ lariies of fashion at her house, and the visit- 
ing cards ot many of high consideration, &c. &c. &c, 

" I intend being in London in spring, when 1 hope 
to see you; and 1 shall be glad to get an answer to 
Ibis letter. 

" When you see mr. O. give him my best regards* 
r I am, my dear sir, yours sincerely, 

H 22dDec. 18Q9. " T. G'M/ ? 



( 180 ) 

u I opened tliis letter to add, that the letter of mioc 
which was lound by the secret committee, and which 
has been so much misrepresented as an indecent pro- 
duction, was an answer to an hoaxing letter I got 
from mrs. 0. in which she said she was tired of the 
pomps and vanities of this wicked world, &c. That 
Mary Magdalen was not m re penitent, and entreat- 
ing that 1 would comfort the weak-hearted, and find 
out tor her a cheap and sate asylum in Ireland. I 
arswered th« epistle of this witty piece of Eve's Jiesh 
in print, and tor which the saints and reformers have 
splashed me with abuse. Mrs. C. got back this \et- 
ter, and I hope she will preserve it and the arch- 
bishop's letter." 



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